TikTok.
I’m sure it needs no introduction. With its endless videos tailored explicitly to your interests, TikTok has captivated audiences, especially those of Millennials and Gen-Z.
TikTok and social media alike have become integral parts of everyday life. Teens have grown accustomed to this new digital world. TikTok has launched entire careers, not just of Content Creators or Influencers, but of Social Media Managers and aspiring business owners who use TikTok to promote their small businesses.
TikTok has inspired a renaissance of short, entertaining videos. Since its inception, there have been many copycats popping up. Youtube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and even Snapchat Spotlight have all followed in TikTok’s footsteps.
The app’s popularity is on full display within the halls of Stroudsburg High School.
According to a study conducted by the Mountaineer, approximately 89% of students surveyed use TikTok. As well, 89% spend an hour or more on social media a day.
“
I was always really hesitant to go on TikTok in general as I have heard of the addictive nature of the app. I believe it really has fried many of our generation’s brains. I downloaded it to post stuff regarding music but I deleted it soon after.
— Alyssa Vecchio, 12
.sno-pullquote-64e580b08f64f { display: flex; float: left; margin: 30px 30px 30px 0; width: 50%; border-color: #888888; border-top-width: 5px; border-right-width: 5px; border-bottom-width: 5px; border-left-width: 5px; background-color: #ffffff; } .sno-pullquote-64e580b08f64f p.pullquotetext, .sno-pullquote-64e580b08f64f p.quotespeaker { color: #000000;; } .sno-pullquote-64e580b08f64f .pullquotepic { width: 33%; margin-left: 25px; } .sno-pullquote-64e580b08f64f p.pullquotetext { font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.4em; } .sno-pullquote-64e580b08f64f .quotebar { background: #cccccc; flex: 0 0 90px; margin-top: -15px; margin-left: -15px; padding-left: 15px; padding-top: 15px; margin-right: 15px; } .sno-pullquote-64e580b08f64f .largequote { color: #888888; }“I tend to use TikTok in short chunks so I am not on it all day, but I think, in all, it adds up to about 7 hours a day,” says junior Jackson Fleming, 11.
When asked if they would ever consider deleting the app, a variety of responses came in.
“No, I would not consider deleting TikTok because it is fun and it contains nice memories to have on my phone when making drafts,” says senior Leah Pelaez, 12.
Products have appeared overnight thanks to advertising from influencers. Have you seen a Stanley Cup around the school? Or people fashioning their new Aerie Flared Leggings? This is just one example of how TikTok has affected everyone’s lives.
The inescapable use of the word “rizz” originated from TikTok personality, Kai Cenat, in 2021, and is now part of almost every student’s daily vocabulary.
People like Charlie D’Amelio who once had never graced the public eye are now household names. This grow to fame for many TikTokers has inspired many others to follow in their desire to become a TikTok star, whether for the better or worse. Not everyone can become “TikTok Famous,” yet many try and love to create content for others along the way.
Due to the exponential growth of TikTok, it has come under plenty of scrutiny and had its fair share of controversies.
On July 7, 2020, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared the US was considering banning TikTok. Ultimately this idea was blocked and TikTok remained. Despite this, recently the government is yet again side-eyeing the app and has brought the TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew, to court.
Chew was grilled for over five hours, and it became apparent what the problem was- Congress.
Shou Zi Chew answered the questions elegantly like a true businessman, yet the people of Congress displayed nothing but a lack of etiquette and no knowledge of technology.
The possible security risks TikTok may possess will never be uncovered within the current political climate we have now. Experts in cybersecurity have called for an evaluation process of the possible dangers.
TikTok has risen to such a level that millions of Americans are at risk of giving up their personal information to the app. For those who love the app, remember to take caution. These short, addicting videos are potentially taking from you more than just your time.