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students discuss the newest popular social media platform TikTok on the clocK

In the midst of a generation that has an obsession with social media, it is very hard to capture the attention of any teenager. However, one application — TikTok — has accumulated a massive following and user number based on its unique sense of humor and ability to make anybody “famous.”

The “For You” page is a feature of the app that allows people to be recognized for using certain hashtags or popular sounds. It’s not necessarily where users go to see someone they personally know on the app, but rather a way to explore the current trends and entertain themselves. If a video makes it on to the “For You” page it typically gets a lot of likes and views and can potentially launch a user into TikTok fame. The school has a number of students who, like many others, have received an impressive amount of likes or followers on TikTok. Senior John Harrick’s TikTok took off when he began to film the morning announcements every day. “I remember at the beginning of the year when I thought TikTok was so stupid,” Harrick said. “Flash forward to now and I’ve been posting the announcements every day all year long, and my very first video has nearly a million views.”

TikTok’s platform gives practically any average person the opportunity to go viral because of an original idea. The jokes on the app can sometimes be seen as crude, but many, including senior Chloe Fuleihan, believe this is all a part of what makes the app so uniquely

humorous.

“My favorite part about TikTok is the creativity and variety of jokes and talent that you find,” Fuleihan said. “[The app] was great when it was just random people making jokes, but now it’s cool to see people using it to show their talents like makeup, singing and art.” TikTok dances and songs have also become a massive trademark on all platforms of social media. One of the app’s most successful users, Charli D’Amelio, has created a large following for herself through choreographing quick, catchy routines that are easy for other users on the app to learn. This is especially popular amongst teens because they allow something trendy to do with friends or even just for fun. Freshman Lee Smith said TikTok is one of her favorite ways to entertain herself, but scrolling on her “For You” page can only interest her for so long.

“I’ve [spent] so much time on the app now that not too much really tends to catch my eye,” Smith said. “It’s super popular now because there’s a ‘For You’ page, which used to not even be a thing. Now you can get on it for doing something as simple as eating chocolate … people just blow up for no reason.”

What users share on the app does not necessarily have to be super creative or funny, but more just able to relate to a specific profile of people. Junior Jaylie Hicklin gained TikTok popularity, once again, from posting the school announcements, but she also shares videos of her

“I think the videos are very entertaining to watch and you see a bunch of people on the app that are like you,” Hicklin said. “They are super relatable and so addicting, and I always find good songs on there, too. It’s like the newest form of news and communication for our generation.” The videos are also very easy to share or repost on other social media, which spreads its success even more. Each user is different and promotes their content to a different group of people, which makes everyone feel included and relevant. However, many believe that some of the jokes are taken too far.

“Probably some of the most annoying things about TikTok are the clout chasers and people getting upset over things that are just meant to be funny,” Smith said. “I guess in some light, the jokes are offensive, but everyone is entitled to their own opinions about it, and I think it should just stay light-hearted.”

There was a time before TikTok when the app went by a completely different name and brand trademark. Music.ly was essentially the same exact app, but with less of a focus on obtaining attention from others via the “For You” page. It seems now with TikTok that anybody can share a second in the spotlight.

“People recognize me in some random places and it’s super weird,” Hicklin said. “Once at a soccer tournament in Michigan, some girl just came up to me and asked if I was TikTok famous, and it was really funny. It’s crazy how much attention we’ve gotten for just reading the announcements.” Harrick also said he is often noticed in public for his videos and it makes him feel like a “mini celebrity.” TikTok, unlike many other social media apps, doesn’t favor anyone in particular. Each school and each city has its own versions of TikTok stars. Fuleihan said that this is something she is thankful for having in her life, and it makes her laugh on a daily basis.

“In my opinion, TikTok definitely deserves the hype,” Fuleihan said. “It’s just as important to pop culture as any other social media platform is, and the variety of content is what makes it so special and funny to people my age.”

| karleykent