TikTok has ascended the ranks to become one of the most beloved social media platforms after rebranding from its previous identity as Musical.ly back in 2018. With its innovative characteristics like distinct “sounds,” green screen functionality, and short videos, TikTok has amassed a colossal user base.
Positive Aspects of TikTok:
In spite of the damaging components, TikTok has a few constructive uses. Numerous content creators, including educators and healthcare professionals, have migrated to the platform to provide educational content. This type of content is beneficial in disseminating vital information to a broader audience.
Negative Aspects of TikTok:
However, TikTok also has some harmful characteristics. Several of its videos promote a twisted idea of beauty and wellness, with some content creators providing workout tips that propose certain physical traits should be modified. For instance, there are countless videos under the hashtag #hipdips of creators offering exercises that concentrate on “hip dips,” which are normal inward curves below the hips. Such videos are problematic because they advocate the idea that these curves are not natural, and viewers may feel they need to “fix” themselves.
The Problem with Promoting a Narrow Definition of Beauty:
TikTok promotes impractical beauty standards, and many of its trends are toxic, featuring only individuals with western beauty standards and promoting the idea that physical appearance determines one’s value. The trend “I ain’t never seen two pretty best friends, it’s always one of them gotta be ugly” is an opportunity for users to degrade women and “brag” about their physical appearance. Such trends can be destructive to viewers’ self-esteem.
Inadequacy of TikTok’s Guidelines to Prevent Harmful Content:
TikTok’s official guidelines are designed to prohibit harmful content that does not align with TikTok’s supposed positive, inclusive, and safe experience. However, these regulations do not encompass non-monetized content creators who may spread harmful information. Furthermore, many TikTok videos are reposted on Instagram, making the spread of harmful information more prevalent.
Concern for Younger Users Growing up on TikTok:
The article expresses concern for younger users growing up on TikTok, who may be more susceptible to the platform’s negative aspects. Younger users may not recognize and research the harmful information spread on TikTok, leading to long-term damage to their self-esteem.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while TikTok has some body-positive communities, it is crucial to diminish the platform’s toxicity. Encouraging exercise should focus on demonstrating the long-term health benefits rather than comparing one’s physical appearance to others. While TikTok’s official guidelines to prevent harmful content are in place, more needs to be done to discourage the dissemination of harmful information. There is a need for a TikTok platform that fosters inclusivity and positivity while reducing the spread of harmful content.
