In today's digital age, social media has become an inseparable part of our lives. Nearly everyone is hooked on one platform or another—be it Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or TikTok.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of TikTok, exploring what it is, its benefits, and its potential harms.
What is TikTok?
TikTok, initially launched by a Chinese multinational internet technology company in 2017, is a social media app where users create and upload short videos ranging from 15 to 60 seconds. These videos can be viewed by anyone using the app and vary widely in content—some are entertaining and informative, while others can be quite the opposite.
Why is TikTok So Popular?
TikTok is particularly popular among the younger generation, with around 90% of its users being young people. It is currently the most downloaded app on the internet. Naturally, with such popularity, TikTok has its share of both benefits and drawbacks. Let's first take a look at its advantages.
Benefits of TikTok:
Many TikTok users create and share highly valuable and informative videos. Some of these users are professionals who share job opportunities, career advice, or other important information, benefiting a large audience. People can learn new things and attempt to bring positive changes to their lives by applying what they learn from these videos.
TikTok also serves as a source of mental relaxation for many. Watching videos of their favorite music or funny skits brings joy to people, helping them combat anxiety and depression to some extent.
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Moreover, TikTok provides a platform for people to showcase their skills. For instance, if someone is good at art, they can share their artwork on TikTok, potentially earning money and gaining recognition. The platform is not just limited to art; it can be used to promote a variety of skills.
The Dark Side of TikTok:
However, like everything else, TikTok comes with its downsides. In recent times, the platform has been misused in ways that can only be described as harmful.
One of the most concerning aspects is the promotion of vulgarity. Many users stay up all night engaged in TikTok live sessions, where they challenge each other, sometimes even resorting to abusive language. They perform actions under the guise of "challenges" that are often inappropriate and morally questionable.
Another alarming drawback is the potential for deadly consequences. There have been incidents where users, while pretending to commit dangerous acts for their videos, accidentally harmed themselves. For example, a young man once pretended to shoot himself as part of a TikTok prank, but the prank went wrong, resulting in his death.
Similarly, many users create TikTok videos near or in water bodies without proper precautions. There have been numerous cases where people, lost in the moment of making a video, have fallen into the water and drowned. It is heartbreaking to see how this obsession with TikTok can lead to such tragic outcomes.
Furthermore, TikTok can become an addiction. Once someone becomes hooked on it, they may spend their entire day watching TikTok videos, neglecting their responsibilities and becoming unproductive.
Conclusion: Use TikTok Wisely
The excessive and improper use of TikTok is damaging both physically and mentally. We must be mindful of how we use such platforms and avoid falling into the trap of addiction or harmful content.
It’s high time we recognize these dangers and use TikTok responsibly, ensuring it remains a tool for creativity and positive engagement rather than a source of harm.
