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Admittedly, I was one of many who opposed TikTok’s short-lived ban, but I have since changed my mind. I find that the pros of keeping Tik Tok are no longer outweighing the cons.
TikTok has garnered a reputation of being an app of rebellion and individuality, but since its return, I’ve noted the app has lost its old charm. It feels more like a cesspool of predatory content and consumerism traps.
Every other video is riddled with repetitive TikTok shop Ads, or poorly disclosed brand partnerships. Finding authentic and interesting content feels like an impossible task now.
I’ve noted that this has become a common complaint on the app, with many videos mocking the “influencer voice”, or the ridiculous ad formula of Tik Tok shop videos.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the fact that TikTok has helped many boost their small businesses or allowed people to pay medical bills, but the problems with this app are only racking up over time.
There’s been a heightened pressure to follow what’s “on trend” and those who step out of line are ridiculed and deemed “cringe” or strange. It appears to be an unfortunate result of the post-quarantine society we live in today.
Tik Tok in 2020 was a time where young people played with expression and creativity and it’s saddening to see how that is now viewed as a negative thing. This shaming of our younger selves has led to a growing conservative mindset among the younger Gen Z.
I worry for today’s youth growing up with this app. It’s been pointed out before but there’s a frightening missing gap between childhood and adulthood for today’s teens. There’s an insurmountable pressure to be perfect at all times, to never have an “awkward” stage.
TikTok is one of the biggest culprits of this phenomenon. Young teens, especially girls, have always been scrutinized on social media, but never have they been so accessible until now. There’s a certain dehumanization that comes with being a content creator or influencer on the platform.
The most uncomfortable part of this is how quickly these young influencers are sexualized and how normalized it is among those watching. Comments sections are filled with sexual remarks played off as “jokes” or excused due to sharing a close age with said creator.
Outside of sexualization, the perception of influencers has become incredibly volatile on the platform. Cancel culture has left our generation with black and white thinking to a detriment. Accountability has turned into an excuse to tear one another down with zero consequence.
Of course, it is important to hold one another to a reasonable standard, but I’ve seen influencers get flack for the most miniscule reasons. Recently, Katie Fang (@katiefangggg on TikTok), was subject to ridicule over a video where she cried due to missing a flight.
Many commenters responded with a lack of sympathy for the creator, with some claiming Fang was “too privileged” to complain as she could book another flight. Others came to her defense, but it was jarring to see how many were so quick to pile on her over something any of us would be upset over.
Cancel culture has always been criticized as a tool for others to have an excuse to spit vitriol towards someone without remorse, but I think it’s truly turned platforms like Tik Tok into a waiting game of who will be most hated next.
There is “Tophiachu,” who is referred to as a “lolcow,” which is an internet term meant to describe someone who is baited into reacting negatively for the audience’s amusement. It’s like a modern day jester in the most twisted way.
Tophiachu garnered a negative reputation on the platform through her content, much of which was on Tik Tok live. Out of respect, I will not go into much detail about her life or content as I believe lolcows are unfairly exploited on the internet.
I will say, the perception of Tophiachu switched almost 360 in recent weeks after she faced tragedy in her personal life. I’ve seen many discussions of the nuance of her online presence and how she has been treated on the internet. It is fascinating to see how quickly she has been humanized through this experience when she was once so hated.
Another creator currently in the hot seat is “Ash Trevino,” who is known for her “connections” to inappropriately younger influencers. She is also often criticized for mistreating her teenage daughters and exploiting them for content.
Though Trevino is criticized for good reason, I find it odd that we continue to platform those who we dislike just to see what they’ll do next. The same could be said for Tophiachu as well.
Trevino is a great reflection of one of the darker sides of the platform—Tik Tok live. The introduction of Tik Tok’s live feature and monetization is where I think the app began to spiral into a fiery hellscape.
There’s many like Trevino who will say or do anything to remain popular on live and receive “gifts,” which is how they gain money. It doesn’t matter if they’re loved or hated, the interactions will fuel them regardless.
Tik Tok live is a place where I’d argue the most dehumanization occurs as creators who focus on livestreaming tend to act in extremes to get quick reactions rather than build an audience.
Frankly, I think it’s a bizarre sector of the internet that reflects the state of our society. Why is it that negativity festers so easily? Maybe it is time for Tik Tok to go.