I was super into TikTok before the 14 hour “ban” and appreciated the content so much but the disturbing bowing to the current president has turned me off and I’m on it much less now (although I haven’t completely left).
I think another feature of the TikTok comments is the character limit. It makes you really focus on what you want to say and it’s harder to be vitriolic
I completely understand what you are saying and I appreciate the insightful and well thought out explanation as to why TikTok is so popular - BUT.......I still am not drawn to finding "my community" online. Most of what I see on TikTok is silly and repetitive, not all that informative or insightful. I have never thought the real draw would be the comments - I can honestly say I never spend time on the comments. Maybe I should start.
I think it's different the more time you spend on it. It started silly for me and now I find that I get a lot of interesting information- parenting advice, friendship and marriage insights, financial advice, television reviews, travel tips, NYC history, etc. I also follow a few people that do really great breakdowns of interesting articles in mainstream publications. I have a nice blend of politics, entertainment, self-help and humor.
I am TikTok curious but I haven’t personally joined yet because I’m not keen on videos. I prefer to read content rather than watch it…. Plus I like to keep my phone on silent while scrolling so if there are no captions I don’t bother …I was one of those people who was upset when IG & FB started pushing reels, but having said that I do enjoy Instagram stories as they are a nice mix of videos and images. I’m spending more and more time on substack and I think it’s becoming my favourite platform.
I can relate to this so much! I haven't gotten into TIkTok (though I have really tried) because I feel like you need sound to really appreciate it, and I hate having sound turned on. I prefer Instagram for static pictures or stories with captions. I would much rather read than have to listen.
I’ve been struggling to explain exactly what makes tik tok different even though I recognize it. This was a perfect explanation! My daughter and I send each other videos all the time, understanding that the main intent is for the other to go read the comments. They truly are the best!
Yes!! You have completely put my experience into words. I got on TikTok about 6 months ago after quitting instagram because I could not take the negativity. Like you, it left me truly disheartened about the state of humanity. Is there anyone good left in this world?! Yes…they’re on TikTok, not instagram 😂 TikTok is truly a delight. Thank you for your insightful writing!
Interesting perspective. I think I am at the wrong side of the road since I usually don`t watch videos, in reality, i only watch yours because i hate the rest haha. My cellphone is always on silent and i hate the differents sounds when I am scrolling
Thanks for writing this. It definitely resonated with me. I am a person who was slightly afraid of the TikTok algorithm- how it knows what we are afraid of...so I sort of tried to steer clear of the app. But I have two kids that are the ages of yours, and I teach 10 year olds for a living- so I feel like it keeps me up on the younger generation. Anyway, I am a huge reader of the comments sections on instagram (I am 49 and mostly use IG). But often the comments sections on there are disgusting. I don't think I ever noticed the difference, but now that you mention it, I agree! Thanks for connecting the dots for me. You so eloquently made an important point- connection is the big why.
This is the first thing I have read that is making me consider checking out TikTok. Any recommendations as a new user how I can quickly get the algorithm going in the direction I want it to? Is it like IG where you look for specific people to follow (I can find the IG people I like for example)? Thanks! 🇨🇦
What a fantastic piece and a comprehensive one as well. I can use TikTok only when I'm in Nigeria but I know what you mean. There is a whole world full of clever people it let's you interact with.
Instagram wears me down after a point. I also look at Instagram as a marketing platform rather than engagement and community. It is vile after a point when it comes to non-marketing posts.
I’ve honestly never had Til-tok explained to me. My adult children have it and send me videos every now and then but they’ve never really said what it is as far as an app goes. I’m 56 and I mostly use IG. After reading everything you wrote about it I just may give it a try. I have a FB but rarely ever use it bc people are so mean and rude. I find IG perfect for me and easy to use. Glad to have read your article, ( as always). Let you know how I do. Fan for life 💜
I may get in trouble saying so on a left-leaning site, but TikTok has been REALLY bad for Jews in terms of disinformation on the war and the antisemitism that Jews are facing today in our country and across the world. China has reason to encourage this, as they are aligned with Iran/Russia. I understand the joy that people find in TikTok for the memes and the dances and all that stuff, but the amount of people around me parroting outright lies and propaganda against Jews, much of which originated on TikTok and would easily be debunked if people took the time to do the most BASIC of fact checking (which, of course, they don't), is kinda terrifying right now.
That's a fair criticism. I think social media in general has been very tough for Jewish people this past year. I think that's because nuance doesn't play well in the algorithm, something I talked about in my last post. I will say that Tiktok has been doing a really good job flagging and hiding problematic comments lately.
Any support you could offer to help me get my publication on the topic of child online safety out to as many parents, teachers etc would really make my year!
Helping people to protect children by educating them about the dangers online is a real passion for me as I have seen the end results of what predators do to them on far too many occasions and I will do everything I can to try and stop it!
I was super into TikTok before the 14 hour “ban” and appreciated the content so much but the disturbing bowing to the current president has turned me off and I’m on it much less now (although I haven’t completely left).
I think another feature of the TikTok comments is the character limit. It makes you really focus on what you want to say and it’s harder to be vitriolic
I completely understand what you are saying and I appreciate the insightful and well thought out explanation as to why TikTok is so popular - BUT.......I still am not drawn to finding "my community" online. Most of what I see on TikTok is silly and repetitive, not all that informative or insightful. I have never thought the real draw would be the comments - I can honestly say I never spend time on the comments. Maybe I should start.
I think it's different the more time you spend on it. It started silly for me and now I find that I get a lot of interesting information- parenting advice, friendship and marriage insights, financial advice, television reviews, travel tips, NYC history, etc. I also follow a few people that do really great breakdowns of interesting articles in mainstream publications. I have a nice blend of politics, entertainment, self-help and humor.
I am TikTok curious but I haven’t personally joined yet because I’m not keen on videos. I prefer to read content rather than watch it…. Plus I like to keep my phone on silent while scrolling so if there are no captions I don’t bother …I was one of those people who was upset when IG & FB started pushing reels, but having said that I do enjoy Instagram stories as they are a nice mix of videos and images. I’m spending more and more time on substack and I think it’s becoming my favourite platform.
I can relate to this so much! I haven't gotten into TIkTok (though I have really tried) because I feel like you need sound to really appreciate it, and I hate having sound turned on. I prefer Instagram for static pictures or stories with captions. I would much rather read than have to listen.
🙌
I am also not keen on videos and have been difficult seeing the change from photos and captions to videos.
I’ve been struggling to explain exactly what makes tik tok different even though I recognize it. This was a perfect explanation! My daughter and I send each other videos all the time, understanding that the main intent is for the other to go read the comments. They truly are the best!
Yes!! You have completely put my experience into words. I got on TikTok about 6 months ago after quitting instagram because I could not take the negativity. Like you, it left me truly disheartened about the state of humanity. Is there anyone good left in this world?! Yes…they’re on TikTok, not instagram 😂 TikTok is truly a delight. Thank you for your insightful writing!
Interesting perspective. I think I am at the wrong side of the road since I usually don`t watch videos, in reality, i only watch yours because i hate the rest haha. My cellphone is always on silent and i hate the differents sounds when I am scrolling
Thanks for writing this. It definitely resonated with me. I am a person who was slightly afraid of the TikTok algorithm- how it knows what we are afraid of...so I sort of tried to steer clear of the app. But I have two kids that are the ages of yours, and I teach 10 year olds for a living- so I feel like it keeps me up on the younger generation. Anyway, I am a huge reader of the comments sections on instagram (I am 49 and mostly use IG). But often the comments sections on there are disgusting. I don't think I ever noticed the difference, but now that you mention it, I agree! Thanks for connecting the dots for me. You so eloquently made an important point- connection is the big why.
This is the first thing I have read that is making me consider checking out TikTok. Any recommendations as a new user how I can quickly get the algorithm going in the direction I want it to? Is it like IG where you look for specific people to follow (I can find the IG people I like for example)? Thanks! 🇨🇦
What a fantastic piece and a comprehensive one as well. I can use TikTok only when I'm in Nigeria but I know what you mean. There is a whole world full of clever people it let's you interact with.
Instagram wears me down after a point. I also look at Instagram as a marketing platform rather than engagement and community. It is vile after a point when it comes to non-marketing posts.
If it wasn't banned in India, I'd switch.
I’ve honestly never had Til-tok explained to me. My adult children have it and send me videos every now and then but they’ve never really said what it is as far as an app goes. I’m 56 and I mostly use IG. After reading everything you wrote about it I just may give it a try. I have a FB but rarely ever use it bc people are so mean and rude. I find IG perfect for me and easy to use. Glad to have read your article, ( as always). Let you know how I do. Fan for life 💜
I may get in trouble saying so on a left-leaning site, but TikTok has been REALLY bad for Jews in terms of disinformation on the war and the antisemitism that Jews are facing today in our country and across the world. China has reason to encourage this, as they are aligned with Iran/Russia. I understand the joy that people find in TikTok for the memes and the dances and all that stuff, but the amount of people around me parroting outright lies and propaganda against Jews, much of which originated on TikTok and would easily be debunked if people took the time to do the most BASIC of fact checking (which, of course, they don't), is kinda terrifying right now.
That's a fair criticism. I think social media in general has been very tough for Jewish people this past year. I think that's because nuance doesn't play well in the algorithm, something I talked about in my last post. I will say that Tiktok has been doing a really good job flagging and hiding problematic comments lately.
Great insight Ilana!
Any support you could offer to help me get my publication on the topic of child online safety out to as many parents, teachers etc would really make my year!
Helping people to protect children by educating them about the dangers online is a real passion for me as I have seen the end results of what predators do to them on far too many occasions and I will do everything I can to try and stop it!
https://www.cybersafetyguy.com/