Too many people perceive TikTok as a social media platform where teenagers go to while away time better spent studying. While the app’s short-form video format makes it ideal for consuming entertaining videos for hours on end, there’s a lot more that it has to offer to not just teenagers but everyone.
So whether you’re second guessing allowing your ward to use the app or on the fence about downloading it for yourself, here are some real benefits of TikTok to consider before you make a decision.
Education
The fact that Tiktok’s content is user generated seems to lend itself to the belief that there’s not much that can be learned, but the opposite is true. The app having over a billion active users means when used properly, a lot can be learned from all the content creators who happen to be doctors, lawyers, registered dietitians, ballerinas, college professors, etc.
By simply following industry experts, finding hashtags of topics relevant to you, asking questions in the comments sections, and bookmarking video tutorials, you can pick up how to do everything from installing a new bathtub stopper to mastering any new language.
However, as with any online content misinformation is a potential risk. Fat check information from unverified sources, and try to stick to accounts with verified badges.
Creative Outlet
If you’re a creative, having a proper creative outlet is a good idea as it means getting to share your uniqueness.
With features that let you experiment with things like sound, music, and visual effects, TikTok has become an ideal platform for countless people who enjoy creative pursuits. For example, if you’re an artist, you can share not just pictures of your favorite drawings, but also recordings of the creative process involved in finishing them. Or, if you’re a dancer, you can post as many videos as you want choreographing trending songs.
Keep in mind that TikTok has community guidelines that users must follow and you want to pay attention to them so that your content doesn’t get flagged or taken down.
Connection
All humans crave connection to some extent because it is rooted in our biology. Forming and maintaining connections typically has numerous benefits not just emotionally but physically, and one of the established benefits of social media platforms is as mediums for human connection.
TikTok is no exception. The app has features that make connecting with millions of other users easy, such as the duet feature that allows for creating a video alongside another user’s video, the hashtag feature for finding specific communities like #booktok, and even the live streaming feature that means real-time interaction.
When forming connections on TikTok, beware of making your personal information readily accessible.
So, if you’ve written off TikTok as a frivolous app, consider these benefits!
