The dark side of TikTok: from entertainment to bullying

ONE of the most famous social media platforms, TikTok skyrocketed during the dark moments of Covid-19. At first, it proved to be a wonderful distraction with funny videos and interesting challenges as well as a platform to make money for creative content. The dancing, lip syncing and family friendly challenges kept us going through a time of despair and paranoia of the virus.

Since that time, it has taken a turn and from my experience of watching videos and livestreams, it seems to have become a platform for bullying and unnecessary abusive language. It has become an app similar to TMZ and celebrity gossip. However in this case, it’s not celebrities being exploited, it’s normal every day individuals.

People who watch livestreams are almost addicted to the drama unfolding and often egg on the content creators by creating fake accounts to ensure nobody has missed a single thing. TikTok is almost like watching a series and can be extremely addictive as some people thrive off drama. It’s important to remember that people on TikTok are normal everyday people. They have families, jobs and a life outside the app.

The problem with the platform is that it can cause mental health issues and mental breakdowns for individuals that are targeted. It can lead to them hurting themselves or even taking their own life due to shame or ridicule. Why cant we go back to the days where TikTok didn’t exist and approach the person directly instead of bringing the entire circus for thousands to see? I understand the monetary value. However, is someone’s life worth a couple of dollars?

The famous “green screening” that occurs usually entails information about other individuals and can cause shame and embarrassment to them and their families. The platform isn’t meant for exposing other people’s problems for instance an extra marital affair. The number of fake accounts exposing the personal lives of people is astounding and what people fail to remember is that these individuals being exposed have children who will see this. A digital footprint is forever.

Years ago if there was an altercation, it occurred without 700 people watching and people dealt with their problems in person, without a camera. The stress TikTok causes due to misunderstandings and misinformation are detrimental to ones health. Children under the age of 18 should not be on the platform because let’s face it, sometimes they themselves make fake accounts and provoke content creators. The use of TikTok to make money is the way forward – it’s an online source of income for many people and it should continue that way.

Creators that make content for monetary reasons should continue because they invest time and their craft to bring us entertainment. I love TikTok because it distracts me from my own stressors and I have made many friends via the platform. However, there is a fine line between entertainment and virtual bullying. I personally enjoy the platform because I have my favourite content creators who bring a smile to your drab day. But the fun aspect of the app is slowly diminishing and being replaced by verbal altercations and horrendous language.

Stay out of other people’s personal lives and avoid creating drama of your own as this will result in you being pulled in to the tumultuous side of TikTok. As adults, it’s up to us what we want to watch and scroll passed. I don’t blame the app for the negative side of the coin. It’s up to us as adults to choose who and what we engage in. It’s all fun and games guys, it’s not that deep. Enjoy the app and remember that what you watch determines how you feel afterwards.

If you watch negative content you will be drawn to that energy. Also, don’t spend all day on the app. Remember it’s a social media platform and can affect your mood and feelings. Happy scrolling and do not get entangled in the web of negativity and unnecessary behaviour. Your mental health depends on it.

Kamini Rambridge, a business owner, gives personal insights on mental health wellness through her blog, Mental(it)y Matters, which she launched in 2023. Her initiative not only aims to create awareness, but also serves as a therapeutic outlet for her own experiences. Visit https://kamzrambridge.wixsite.com/mentalitymatters

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