TikTok was launched in 2017 as the global version of Douyin, and by July 2021, the app had been downloaded over 3 billion times across Android and iOS.
The short-video hosting service has become so influential that other social media sites have been trying to introduce the same video formats to stop their users from migrating to TikTok.
But behind the fantastic video content, there’s a dark side to TikTok. From privacy concerns that have seen the platform getting banned in some countries to widespread age-appropriate content to cyberbullying. The list is endless, and I’ll be covering that today.
So read on to find out more.
Bad Things About TikTok – 20 Things You Need To Know
1. Privacy Issues
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It’s easy to ignore the fine print when you post a video of your pet’s latest antics or your polished dance routines on TikTok. Many people are not aware of how persistent the methods employed by TikTok to collect data are.
This platform gathers a wealth of user data, which you consent to when agreeing to the terms and conditions upon signing up (which most people never read). This data includes information about your device, interaction habits, browsing history, and so much more.
This is the data that feeds the algorithm that curates your feed, providing you with engaging content but also stealing information about your tastes and routines. Scary, isn’t it?
Now you understand why some countries like the United States are actively trying to ban TikTok.
2. Addictive Nature
I have a TikTok account, and according to the screen time analytics from my usage in the last seven days, I have spent a combined 12 hrs and 58 minutes just looking at videos and have opened the app 384 times.
That’s a lot, but it doesn’t compare to what some more heavily addicted users clock in a week.
It’s difficult to resist this app’s magnetic attraction, and its well-advanced algorithm doesn’t make this any easier.
There’s a very valid reason why users find themselves scrolling endlessly, given the app’s never-ending supply of entertaining videos and original material.
The more you swipe, the more you get content that’s appealing to you, and before you realize it, minutes have turned into hours.
3. Cyberbullying
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A quick look at comment sections on most TikTok videos will show you a very raw type of cyberbullying not seen on other social media sites.
Bullies on TikTok are empowered to attack victims with impunity thanks to the anonymity they get behind fake TikTok accounts. They will say despicable things that would be impossible for them to do in face-to-face conversations.
The effect on users is significant, and I’ve seen many users deactivate their accounts. These harmful words cause a plummet in self-esteem, undermining one’s self-worth. Due to the constant assault of negativity, which breeds anxiety, despair, and feelings of loneliness, people with pre-existing mental health issues might suffer.
4. Age-Inappropriate Content
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TikTok does ban content it considers explicit and even provides users with options for reporting anything that’s inappropriate or out of place. However, it’s not as effective as other social media sites. Users have found a way to bypass the loose rules.
The effects of viewing inappropriate content on TikTok might be too much for most people, especially young users who’ve just started using the platform. Furthermore, exposure might skew their perception of appropriate online conduct and cultural norms.
Older users aren’t spared either. Stumbling on such stuff could make adults uncomfortable and wonder whether the site is appropriate for them or their families.
Also Read: Pros & Cons of Snapchat
5. Spread of Misinformation
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Without proper checks, TikTok has also been used to spread misinformation among users, and when you consider how fast videos go viral here, the impact can have far-reaching consequences.
Take COVID-19, for example, where unsubstantiated info around false treatments and conspiracy theories significantly increased during the outbreak. Such misleading information undermined confidence in reliable sources and worsened the health situation.
To make matters worse, TikTok lacks a robust fact-checking mechanism similar to Twitter’s Community Notes that could help inform people when information isn’t factual. It’s time that was introduced.
6. Impacts Productivity Negatively
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There are people who even take their phones to the toilet to continue watching TikTok videos. This persistent urge to look at their phones eventually cuts down vital minutes and hours that could be spent doing something constructive.
The inability to focus and complete tasks is hampered by TikTok’s massive potential for complete distraction. It can unintentionally discourage people from completing their to-do lists with its enormous selection of exciting videos.
The number of students who do not complete their assignments or working adults who show up at work tired due to TikTok-induced sleep deprivation is too familiar these days.
7. Algorithmic Manipulation
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As I mentioned earlier, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another social media platform whose algorithm works as well as TikTok’s.
But while it may seem like you’re in control when curating what you want to see, the bulk of everything on your For You Page is algorithmic manipulation.
The first step in recovering control is realizing how much power the algorithm has over you. This can be lessened by establishing time restrictions, varying the types of content consumed, and balancing screen time with other outdoor activities.
8. Plagiarism & Lack of Originality
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A lot of creatives have benefitted from posting their content on TikTok because the uptake is a lot faster there. However, the same platform has also proved detrimental for other creatives who get their original works stolen without proper attribution.
Anyone can copy your profile picture and username, download your videos, and post them as their own, benefitting from the views they get.
The worst part about this is that TikTok has yet to find a way to put an end to this. The verification process, for example, is very complicated and takes too long to work through.
So, if you’re a creative looking to launch your content on TikTok, be advised that things may not go well for you.
9. Unrealistic Beauty Standards
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TikTok is bursting with content that displays immaculate looks, excellent body types, and picture-perfect lives. But many users are unaware that these are carefully selected images intended to market certain products and lifestyles, which comes with a human cost.
The app even has unlimited filter effects, allowing people to hide what they consider blemishes. Users could find themselves continuously comparing their looks and lives with those of influencers, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
Additionally, TikTok’s trend-driven nature can encourage viewers to chase after impossible trends. This can range from specific makeup looks, clothing, or body type. This is how people end up with dieting conditions to the detriment of their health.
Also Read: Pros & Cons of Instagram
10. Cultural Appropriation
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Cultural appropriation has always been a thorn in people’s sides ever since social media sites connected people worldwide. But TikTok has taken that to another level altogether.
On TikTok, cultural appropriation happens when people use components of another culture without fully understanding the cultural value of those components. This can include things like jewelry, hairstyles, dance, music, and even language.
While appropriating and exchanging cultural elements might advance intercultural understanding, it becomes problematic when they become fads that lose their original context and become superficial trends.
So next time you find angry comments under a video you harmlessly uploaded, take some time to understand the culture you may be appropriating rather than responding with abuse.
11. Intrusive Ads
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It is very reasonable to be concerned about the way that intrusive adverts appear on TikTok every few minutes. Having to deal with a manipulated algorithm is one thing, but ads are where most people draw the line.
Although it’s clear that adverts help keep the app free, their obtrusive nature runs the danger of alienating users and turning them off in the long run. Sometimes the ads are long and unskippable, causing users to quit the app in the middle of their session, lowering their total engagement.
The good news is that TikTok has been trying to improve this, but things have yet to reach a point where there’s a perfect balance that benefits both sides.
12. Predatory Behavior
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Creeps will always be there on every social media platform. The anonymity these sites give them makes them bold enough to try taking advantage of innocent users.
TikTok’s goal of creating connection and creativity is undermined by predatory behavior, which includes unwelcome advances and harassment. The overall good experience is disrupted and may even drive away people looking for amusement and fundamental interactions when they find such conduct.
But most of this blame falls on TikTok as it has yet to enforce stringent rules that make it hard for predators to create and run accounts on the platform. Hopefully, this will become a reality in the near future.
13. Copyright Infringement
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When uploading something to TikTok, you can add music or a jingle as the background to your video. There’s even an option for this where you scroll through a vast music library. While this is good for promoting artists, the line separating this from copyright infringement is blurry.
Once again, TikTok’s lack of control over how an artist’s work is used may cause it to lose value quickly. It’s crucial to strike a balance between upholding creators’ rights and preserving the platform’s creative spirit.
And since their music is utilized without the correct license or payment, artists lose out on potential earnings, affecting their quality of life. If you intend to use music or audio jingles for your TikTok uploads, ensure you follow the right channels and guidelines.
14. Health Issues
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The strain TikTok places on our eyes comes with a potential health cost. Eye strain is among the health problems that might result from spending too much time watching those captivating videos on a screen. The scary part is that you won’t notice the impact until it’s too late.
The situation worsens for people using their computers to access TikTok through the official website. Staring at these enormous screens for a long time without wearing protective blue block glasses will not end well for you.
The signs include headaches, impaired vision, and dry eyes. So curb your watching time to reduce this impact.
But physical complications aren’t the only thing TikTok can lead to. A recent study found that TikTok used its algorithm to push suicidal content at some of its users, especially young people. That should set off alarm bells for parents.
15. Undermines Other Skills
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In case you haven’t noticed, people these days don’t paint like Michelangelo, and neither do they compose classical music like Mozart. We can’t blame all of that on TikTok, but many skills suffer when people spend more time scrolling through videos instead of putting their skills to creative use.
Because videos on TikTok are posted quickly and in short formats, they foster fast satisfaction and break up attention spans into manageable bits.
This makes it hard for people to develop complex creative tasks like penning a gripping story or perfecting brush strokes.
There’s probably a great painter somewhere right now who will never realize their potential because they spend 10 hours a day watching cat videos on TikTok.
16. Monetization Challenges
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People are making good money on TikTok, but getting to that point is impossible for many content creators due to unattainable requirements.
For example, you need a Creator Fund to stand any chance of making money from views or receiving gifts that you can convert to cash. But you can’t get a Creator Fund until you attain 10,000 followers with a combined 100,000 views in your last 30 days.
This is an uphill task for potential content creators, and this is how people resort to unconventional ways of creating content that doesn’t even fit their personality. Balancing creativity and financial needs on TikTok is very tricky.
17. Social Pressure and Comparisons
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Everybody is vulnerable to social pressure, especially if you spend much of your time on TikTok.
Constantly watching polished, seemingly flawless videos can make you feel inadequate. You’re likely to get caught in a web of self-doubt, which undermines the nature of self-expression.
It’s not until some people see the behind-the-scenes videos that they realize it’s all a fake reality created to generate nothing but views. If you plan to spend time on TikTok, just be prepared to deal with these pressures occasionally.
18. Encourages Risky Behavior
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In line with unnecessary societal pressures, the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors just to gain views isn’t uncommon on TikTok.
Just recently, a popular raw food diet influencer called Zhanna Samsonova died of suspected starvation. Her death resulted from only living on an exclusive diet of exotic fruits without drinking water.
Some daring users are enticed into challenges that frequently go too far in pursuing likes and views. The urge for internet popularity can impair judgment, resulting in harmful dares and extreme acts that have real-world repercussions.
And once again, TikTok isn’t doing enough to regulate this content. By freely providing a platform for these kinds of risky behaviors, users are encouraged to participate in them.
19. No Age Verification
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You must be at least 13 years old to create a TikTok account. But the platform doesn’t do much when it comes to actually making sure that minors are not on the platform. In short, TikTok doesn’t have an age verification process.
For instance, I created my account by linking it with my Twitter. I didn’t have to provide any documents to prove my age. So a minor under the age of 13 can do the same using any email address.
This is why parents need to be keen on the apps and websites their children visit on their devices. TikTok may have parental control features but don’t expect them to do much for you.
20. Unrealistic Career Aspirations
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Wanting to make it without going through a lot of hassle is what every average human desires. But while many people on TikTok appear to have been lucky enough to make money on the platform using straightforward methods, this can create a false sense of what it takes to be successful for many, especially young people.
The exaggerated portrayal of overnight success on TikTok could mislead young impressionable minds, dissuading them from pursuing things with a greater chance of success. This may result in broken dreams and fewer possibilities.
The one rule you should never ignore when dealing with TikTok is that all that glitters isn’t always gold.
Final Word
There you have it, some of the notable bad sides of TikTok, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. As more people join the platform, the negative aspects of it are magnified a little more.
Therefore, as you decide whether to create a TikTok account, just be aware of what you may have to deal with. That said, it’s not all gloom; some personal moderation will go a long way in ensuring things don’t get out of hand for you.
