TikTok: The Social Media Platform of the Future
TikTok is a social media platform that has recently taken the world by storm. It was first launched in 2016 but mainly gained popularity in 2019. Since then, the platform has been on a steady incline and has not stopped growing since. It is a global phenomenon. But what is the app, what makes the app so popular, and quite frankly so addicting?
How does it work?
TikTok allows users to post videos that can range anywhere from ten seconds to ten minutes. Content creation on the app ranges from dancing videos to DIY instructional videos to film edits. The app allows for a full range of creativity for its users. It is accessible to people of all ages and there is content for everyone.
TikTok’s algorithm caters to each user differently. This allows each user to have a different and unique personal experience with the app than everyone else. The algorithm is based on the user’s interactions with certain posts and determines what other similar content the user would like. The “For You” feature complies this endless content all in one place.
TikTok’s “For You” page and content creation menus
Benefits
TikTok has given creators the opportunity to completely express and market themselves. There are thousands of creators that have gained fame and made a name for themselves over the past four years that TikTok has become popular. It has also given music and film creators a new avenue of advertising. TikTok is by far the most effective way to promote art due to its reach and accessibility. Also, the ability for creators to use songs as sounds to their own TikToks gives creators another way of promoting their content.
Why is it so addictive? Is it harmful?
The short videos that are catered toward you cause your brain to release dopamine which makes you want to watch more. Apps similar to TIkTok, such as Vine, have seen tremendous success in the past using this model. Today’s society is centered around instant gratification and TikTok’s user interface plays directly into that.
While TikTok has its fair share of helpful benefits, users have noticed TikTok affects their capability to stay focused throughout the day. The app’s welcoming user interface makes it hard to put down once you start using it, and some users have deleted the app altogether when trying to focus. Just like any other social media, it is beneficial in some aspects but harmful in large doses.
Recent Controversy
The app has recently been in the news due to concerns about its security and the content it was marketing to its younger audience. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified in front of the United States Congress to defend his company. However, Congress argued that the app was selling its user’s data to the Chinese government and spying on United States citizens. TikTok is currently banned on all government official phones in the United States.
Congress also argued that the content TikTok was promoting was not safe for younger audiences to consume and was inciting violent acts. Such content included the “Blackout challenge” and trends that encouraged eating disorders and violent acts. Adults fear that the app has a major influence on younger children and the app can be harmful to their mental health.
Shou Zi Chew speaking at his congressional hearing
Overview
The ability TikTok gives creators to reach new audiences instantly and express themselves is extremely beneficial. The app can certainly be used for good, however, there will always be users that will use it for harm. Being responsible is part of using any social media application.
As for security concerns, TikTok will have a hard time connecting with and getting support from an older audience until the company tightens up its security and limits the harmful content that users post. If TikTok manages to avoid a ban in the United States and it proves its app is safe to use, it will continue to grow, have a major influence and have a lasting impact on our generation.