Why TikTok Is So Toxic: Quarantine Edition

These are few of many resulting thoughts people may have while on an app that holds such a high standard with looks, since it technically did start out as a dance app.  The reason this also may be a bigger issue than other apps is that since it’s an app that people dance on, a lot of the times people only believe “skinny” or “toned” people can dance or are the only desirable ones.  

This has obviously been proven wrong multiple times since the app’s culture is easing up a lot more, but there is still a lot of judgment towards bodies.

Could the videos on TikTok be a trigger for teens struggling with eating disorders, depression, or any other low-esteem issue during quarantine?

TikTok has yet to successfully block or stop the use of pro-ana and a lot of other “pro-” self-destructive behaviors. The users who come across these creators can easily get triggered. 

“If this person is doing this, looks perfectly fine, and is getting clout on here for it, what’s so bad about it?” 

Unlike other apps like Instagram, these pro-destructive behaviors are being romanticized, which is truthfully just going to make those with preexisting conditions to think it’s okay or normal, whilst others who haven’t had a single thought about food or certain depressional aspects are going to potentially get ideas from these videos.

This would increase their likelihood of starting a new and unhealthy chapter that they wouldn’t have started in the first place. Of course, it’s not 100% TikTok’s fault, but these accounts and videos that are showcasing behaviors that are not okay and need to be treated are causing a more widespread issue across the world than there could’ve been if they had restricted videos that have been deemed unsafe or triggering.