TikTok: The World’s New Internet
The Renegade Dance challenge, DIY tutorials, and instant access to the juiciest gossip are all products of TikTok (no, not Ke$ha’s song). This social media giant has taken the world by storm, amassing over 3 billion downloads in less than four years. What is TikTok’s secret sauce?
Let's begin at the heart of TikTok’s rapid popularization: the scary good algorithm. It’s no secret that the TikTok ‘For You Page’ (FYP) reads minds by providing an endless stream of addictive entertainment, which leads users down rabbit holes of the ‘infinite scrolling’ phenomena. I can attest that I am one of millions of victims mindlessly scrolling for hours before realizing that it is 3 AM. To combat this, TikTok has implemented new preventative features, such as a ‘well-being series’ in order to raise global awareness around mental health and limit screen time for addicted young users.
The FYP success can be attributed to its influential hand in community building by promoting similar content to different groups of people, referred to as the different ‘sides’ of TikTok. Whether these “genres” of the app consist of Dance Tok or Harry Styles Tok, the algorithm shows content from users with similar tastes, promoting group interaction and inclusivity. TikTok’s algorithm provides individuals with what they want to see, even if users don’t know what they want. The algorithm’s ability to cater to users’ subconscious preferences and desires makes TikTok the addictive platform that it is.
TikTok has produced a multitude of influencers, including Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae with 140 and 90 million followers, respectively. It might come as a surprise how brief videos can propel average people into the stardom spotlight. The answer: relatability. While Hollywood A-listers conform to specific molds and are constantly filtering themselves due to contractual agreements, TikTok encourages any body type, skin color, sexual orientation, and belief. With just one click to post a video, all TikTok influencers have instant access to their mass followers.
But, the increased accessibility is not all good news.
With young users having complete access to millions of videos, they can also be exposed to trends that promote negative ideals. The ‘Devious Licks Challenge’ is a prime example. Students tearing out stall doors, running down the halls with soap dispensers, and vandalizing school property— it all stems back to TikTok. This viral trend solidified the stepping stone for future widespread damage by popularizing negative trends. NyQuil Chicken. Blackout Challenge. Orbeez Shooting. The list goes on.
So, the U.S. Congress decided to take action.
On April 24, President Biden signed into law a bill passed by Congress aimed at addressing the concerns surrounding social media platforms like TikTok. This legislation, driven by national security concerns due to TikTok's Chinese ties, sets the stage for a potential sale of the app by its Chinese owner, ByteDance, or its outright ban in the United States.
However, the road ahead is bound to be challenging. Legal battles are expected, as TikTok may contest the law, citing First Amendment rights. Finding a suitable buyer for TikTok's U.S. operations poses another hurdle, given the platform's significant valuation and potential antitrust concerns.