Before COVID-19, TikTok was just an app where people did dances and posted them. Because of this, a stigma now surrounds the platform, labeling it as pointless and stupid. Then came quarantine. The pandemic left people feeling lost, bored and even depressed for many reasons. They needed an answer. Suddenly, Tik Tok began to blow up. People began finding a purpose on the platform. Now, TikTok is no longer simply a dancing app; it has become a platform for people to share their interests, find inspiration and produce funny and relatable skits. Let me open your eyes to some of the wonders of this platform.
There have been many trends created on TikTok. Even if you don’t use the platform, you most likely have heard about certain trends. At the beginning of the pandemic, one of the biggest trends that was buzzing around was Dalgona Coffee or “Whipped Coffee.” If you haven’t tried it, it’s a game-changer. Dalgona Coffee originated in South Korea as a street food type of treat. One day, a Korean actor named Jung Il-woo decided to share the recipe on TikTok, and the rest is history! You might wonder what all the big hype is about surrounding a coffee recipe, but there is a deeper meaning to it. Dalgona has not only become a refreshing drink for many to enjoy, but it is a fun project for people to make. With depression and other mental health issues rising from COVID-19, people want to find a purpose and something to keep them busy, and even something as simple as a new coffee recipe can help fulfill that desire.
In addition to tutorials on yummy recipes, many people have started using TikTok as a platform to educate people about current situations and conflicts in the world. TikTok became a strong and effective platform to spread awareness about the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Of course, many of the same content could be shared on the news or Twitter, but younger generations tend not to use those platforms as much. TikTok is the perfect alternative, then, since many young people frequently use the app. In general, the platform has become a great tool for social justice.
These are only a couple of reasons why TikTok has become such a popular platform. Whether it’s connecting people, sharing activities or bringing social awareness, this platform has grown to be more than just a dancing app. TikTok has become a source of inspiration and motivation, which is greatly needed during these crazy times. It is not some childish app that people use solely for entertainment purposes, but it can come with some great educational benefits and influence on many people. Whatever your interests are, you can find them on TikTok for sure. Fair warning, though: it is also very addicting!