Pros and cons of TikTok

was founded in 2017 by Chinese internet entrepreneur Zhang Yiming. It is a social media platform that allows users to express themselves through lip syncing, dancing, singing and creating point-of-view videos.

The average daily usage of TikTok users is 95 minutes. A whopping 80% of users of TikTok are between the ages of 16 and 34, 60% are between the ages of 16 and 24, and 26% are between the ages of 25 and 44.

About 60% of TikTok users are female and 40% are male. TikTok provides users with non-stop entertainment, and users can express themselves and have their work seen by others.

However, nowadays, many are misusing the TikTok app by posting inappropriate videos that include sexual content, drug use and bullying. Most of the videos that violate or do not adhere to TikTok’s guidelines are banned or the account suspended.

You also find users creating fake accounts and using them to harass others. They leave harsh comments on people’s posts, which can impact the mental and physical well-being of other users, especially the young.

The most recent incident in Malaysia involved an influencer who committed suicide after experiencing cyberbullying on TikTok. Her posts drew jeers and criticism which drove her to take her life.

Additionally, the younger generation are easily influenced by TikTok trends. Some are willing to go to any extent to gain popularity. They post explicit messages and images which can attract sexual predators. Parents need to be alert and monitor their children’s usage on social media platforms.

In conclusion, TikTok has its pros and cons. It entirely depends on how users make use of it and gain from it. Perithashini Manimaran Faculty of Business and Communication Universiti Malaysia Perlis