I work in marketing, and part of my job is to stay updated with all the trends on social media. So, naturally, I’m online a lot. Even outside of my working hours, I find myself spending so much time scrolling through various platforms.
One time, I noticed that a former coworker had commented on the same photo I liked in a fragrance Facebook group. I was excited because it showed we shared the same opinion. I took a screenshot of her comment, messaged her, and said, “Ariana, what are you doing here?” This was a reference to a TikTok sound used when encountering someone unexpectedly, originating from Nicki Minaj’s live session where Ariana Grande joined in as a watcher. To my surprise, my ex-coworker replied, “Ariana who?” It dawned on me that this inside joke isn’t common, especially for those not deeply engaged in social media.
My cousin visited me earlier this year. As she arrived, I greeted her with, “Twin, where have you been?” This was a reference to a popular TikTok song used as a sound for friends who haven’t seen each other in a while. My cousin just stared blankly at me as I explained that it was a famous trend.
Why Do TikTok Trends Stick
TikTok trends tend to resonate deeply with audiences for several reasons. Firstly, the platform’s algorithm is adept at curating content tailored to individual preferences, ensuring that users are consistently exposed to trends aligned with their interests. This personalized experience fosters a sense of connection and engagement, encouraging users to participate in trending challenges or recreate popular videos.
TikTok trends often spread rapidly due to the platform’s viral nature. When users see their friends engaging with a particular trend, they’re more likely to join in, creating a snowball effect that propels trends to widespread popularity.
How Serious Is It Now?
TikTok has captured the attention of Generation Z and Millennials who are increasingly devoting substantial amounts of time to the platform. According to data from GlobalWebIndex’s 2021 report, TikTok’s global reach extends to around 32% of internet users aged 16–64, with particularly high adoption rates among younger demographics. The report also highlights that 45% of TikTok users are aged between 16 and 24, indicating its strong appeal to younger generations. Moreover, TikTok users worldwide spent an average of 41 minutes per day on the app in 2020, according to App Annie’s State of Mobile report, demonstrating the platform’s significant impact on users’ daily routines.
Not on The Dark Side (Yet)
There exists a segment of the population who remains uninterested or disengaged with TikTok despite its widespread popularity. It consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups, ranging from older generations to those who prioritize different forms of entertainment and social interaction. I know a friend who prefers Instagram Reels, but for me, the concept is the same. Most TikTok trends get easily adapted to Reels very fast.
Some may find the platform’s short-form video content and trends unappealing or irrelevant to their interests, preferring longer-form content or alternative social media platforms. Others may be deterred by concerns over privacy and data security, as TikTok has faced scrutiny regarding its handling of user data.
Additionally, some individuals simply prefer offline activities or traditional forms of entertainment over digital platforms.
Are You Addicted Already
Determining the acceptable amount of time to spend on TikTok varies greatly depending on individual circumstances and priorities. For some, using TikTok sparingly as a source of entertainment during leisure time may be acceptable, while others may find themselves drawn into the platform for longer periods, potentially impacting their productivity or daily routines. Can you count me in here?
Generally, a balanced approach to TikTok usage involves setting personal limits and boundaries to ensure that time spent on the app remains manageable and does not interfere with other responsibilities or activities. This might involve allocating specific time slots for TikTok browsing or using features like screen time limits to regulate usage.
The acceptable time to be on TikTok is subjective and should be tailored to align with one’s personal preferences, goals, and lifestyle.
Friendly Reminder
It’s important to remember that not everyone is immersed in TikTok trends or spends as much time online as you might. Each individual has unique interests and preferences when it comes to entertainment, and it’s perfectly okay if someone isn’t familiar with the latest viral challenges or memes circulating on the platform.
Rather than questioning someone for not being in the loop, it’s better to respect their choices and acknowledge that not everyone engages with the same forms of media. Ultimately, everyone is entitled to choose the type of entertainment that resonates with them, and it’s important to refrain from judging or bothering others if they’re not familiar with TikTok trends.
