By: Staff Contributor
Lately, I have been noticing how just one video can shoot someone to viral fame on social media, particularly on TikTok, turning them into an overnight sensation. It seems like every day, there's a new TikToker popping up who creates content that's pretty similar to what others are already doing. The popular themes include GRWM (get ready with me) videos, which I occasionally watch, especially when it comes to fashion, food reviews, and product showcases. I have started watching these types of videos more often, and I usually tune in for the outfits or the reviews. There’s a whole mix of content out there, from skits and trends to vlogs and dance/music clips. I particularly enjoy the educational ones that really catch my interest and make me think, "Wow, that’s cool!" It’s fascinating how diverse the content can be, even if it often falls into similar categories.
Coming up with something fresh or a new category seems pretty tough these days since it feels like everyone has already carved out their niche. It’s like there’s always someone shining in every area, making it hard to stand out. But that’s the beauty of social media; it keeps evolving, and who knows what the next big trend will be?
It's pretty clear that a lot of folks turn to TikTok as a way to escape their daily grind and just have some fun, which is why comedy and funny videos are so popular. But honestly, I can't wrap my head around why anyone would want to spend their time watching videos where people hurl insults based on race, religion, or gender. It’s baffling to me that some people would choose to tune into live streams from influencers who thrive on negativity and division. It seems like the more hateful the content, the more attention it gets, while positive messages or skill-sharing videos barely make a dent in the feed.
There’s this weird dynamic where videos that tear someone down go viral, but when someone tries to spread kindness or teach something useful, it just gets ignored. It makes you wonder what drives people to humiliate others for entertainment. Sure, the creators might be fueled by some deep-seated issues or hatred, but what about the viewers? What satisfaction do they get from watching someone else get put down? It’s a strange cycle that seems to keep feeding itself.
Then there are those TikTok lives where teens play truth or dare or whatever silly games they come up with, and thousands of people tune in, even sending money to these creators. It’s wild how these young influencers can become rich and famous overnight, and then suddenly think they are untouchable. The fame can really mess with their heads, making them feel like they can do no wrong. It’s a bizarre world where the line between entertainment and decency gets blurred, and it leaves you questioning what we are really supporting with our views and likes.
Someone once said referring to these kind of individuals "stop making imprudent people famous," and honestly, I couldn't agree more. It is society that fuels the viral fame of these individuals, making ignorance seem acceptable and even desirable. Right now, TikTok stands out as the most influential social media platform. Many lives have been positively impacted through it, with users landing jobs, promotions, and even launching their own businesses thanks to the exposure they gain on the app.
TikTok has sparked significant social change, addressing various social and political issues while connecting people from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences. For instance, I came across a video of a mother overseas struggling to pay her son's medical bills, asking viewers to watch until the end so she could earn some money from TikTok. It's a powerful reminder of how this platform can amplify voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard.
While there are certainly troubling stories, like teens taking drastic actions due to trends on TikTok, I think we should consider the impact of other platforms too. Instagram, for example, often showcases unrealistic lifestyles and images that can lead to harmful self-comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. In the end, it's essential to recognize the complexities of social media and how different platforms affect our mental health and societal norms.
TikTok has opened up a world of learning opportunities for us, and how we choose to engage with it can really make a difference. If we use the platform wisely, it can be incredibly beneficial, but if we find ourselves just mindlessly scrolling or tuning into negativity, it becomes just another way to waste time.
As a community, we should aim to leverage TikTok to uplift one another, share knowledge, promote harmony, and bring our nation together. Instead of letting it become a breeding ground for hate and division, let’s focus on using it for positive connections and growth.