TikTok is dead. At least that was what American citizens were led to believe. The constant custody battle over TikTok left many wondering if there was something more to the app than fun dances and quick recipes. Though, the truth is that there is so much beyond the surface.
TikTok has been a weapon for activism for many Gen Z kids, marked by a majority of them disapproving of the way President Trump is running things. On valid grounds, communities have come together with this app to crash rallies, ruin campaign attempts — and just overall pull the wool over the eyes of politicians.
An iconic instance traces back to June of this year. The president’s campaign account, @TeamTrump, instructed voters to register for free tickets to a rally. K-pop fan accounts caught sight of the event and encouraged their followers to sign up as well, only to not show up on the day of the rally. Resultantly, many of the 19,000 seats in the Tulsa arena had been empty.
Though, besides the hook on activism, TikTok also serves as a socio-economic tool. Through this social app, many small businesses have been promoting their work and gaining traction, and as well a benefactor of faithful customers. Not only that, but TikTok, like other trendy apps such as Instagram, Twitter, and Vine, defined the Gen Z culture which dominates the youth. Yielding this popular social network can both serve as a shield and a sword.
On the downside, however, it has also become a form for people to attack others, and even body shame others. Cancel culture spreads with TikTok, and so does negativity. With conflicting opinions, a mess is surely guaranteed. An app that was originally created for entertainment and leisure popularized exponentially — and it was bound to become corrupted with despondency.
With the muzzle on TikTok, the companies sponsoring and monitoring it have been able to make a pretty penny on ads and watch time. It seems like even a simple thing like enjoying a short video has to be monetized.
Once a good thing, it now seems like TikTok has fallen into the wrong hands. Nothing will survive the concept of capitalism as it consumes all for the sake of money.
