TikTok Fame

Unit 2 Class Blog Post 1

    For our second blog post our class was assigned a list of articles to choose from; highlighting certain social media phenomenon’s.  Social media has taken such a strong grasp on the world, and if we don’t figure out how to break that grasp, we lose control.  The article Tikked off: What happens when TikTok fame fades by Rebecca Jennings, follows a story of a young man who let social media consume and affect him in every aspect of his life, realized what it was doing to him, and now educates and warns others on the dangers of social media.  
It has become a ubiquitous aspect of modern society and has greatly impacted the way people interact, communicate and consume information. One of the most significant social media phenomena in recent times is the rise of TikTok.   
    Sam Benarroch along with many others fell deep down the creator rabbit hole.  A few years ago, Sam had around 166,000 followers on TikTok, and was growing quickly.  Things were looking up for Sam.  He was ready to pursue this full time.  But, as with the vast majority of content creators, his moment in the spotlight was coming to a close.  Follower count, likes, and interaction slowly started to come to a halt, and Sam lost it.  He had no idea how to go about his daily life because he was so caught up in his online image.  Sam even admitted to going to therapy due to how stressed he was about losing traction online.  Although Sam’s story may sound extreme, this is the reality of some people’s lives.  Obsessing over how many likes they get or don’t get, and feeling as if they are worthless if they don’t meet that mark.  The reality is consumers attention spans aren’t big enough stick around long enough.  And with the number of users on TikTok, consumers are given countless of options and essentially and unlimited stream of content.  They get bored and move on to something or someone else.  If you think about it, the A-List celebrities/influencers you see today, are only there because they are lucky the algorithm worked in their favor.  There are millions of people online everyday doing the exact same thing Sam was doing.  He just didn’t get picked.  So, my advice to Sam and anyone else who went through or is going through the same struggle; it's fine.  It’s not the end of the world, and there’s more to life than what you see on your phone.
    If you’ve been living under a rock for the past 5 years, and don’t know what TikTok is, let me introduce you to this addictive app.  TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short, 15-60 second video clips set to music or other audio. It was originally released in China under the name Douyin in 2016, and later released globally as TikTok in 2017. In just a few years, it has become one of the most popular social media apps in the world, with over 1 billion active users.  The success of TikTok can be attributed to its unique features and user-friendly interface. The app’s algorithm recommends content based on the user’s viewing history and preferences, creating a personalized experience for each user. Additionally, TikTok provides a platform for users to express their creativity and individuality through lip syncing, dance challenges, and comedic skits. The app has also helped to launch the careers of many creators, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents to a global audience.  However, TikTok’s success has not been without controversy. The app’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China and has faced criticism for its ties to the Chinese government. There have also been concerns about the app’s privacy policies, as well as the potential for the spread of misinformation and hate speech on the platform.  Despite these controversies, TikTok continues to grow in popularity and influence. It has revolutionized the way people consume and create content, and has provided a platform for new forms of entertainment and self-expression. TikTok’s rise as a social media phenomenon highlights the power and impact that social media can have on society.
    In conclusion, Sam is doing much better mentally now that he has stepped away from the social media realm.  Comparing yourself to others and obsessing over your personal internet “clout” is very unhealthy and can lead some people down a dark path.  TikTok has rapidly become one of the most popular and influential social media platforms in the world. Its unique features and user-friendly interface have made it a platform for creativity, entertainment, and self-expression. However, its success has also raised concerns about privacy and the potential for the spread of misinformation. Regardless of its controversies, TikTok’s rise as a social media phenomenon is a testament to the power and impact of social media in modern society.