It’s hard to think about anything else besides the coronavirus right now, but I challenge myself to change it up a bit and create some light in these trying times. So putting the looming threat of contagion and downfall of society and economy aside, let’s focus on something more cheery: TikTok. 

Recently I’ve gotten into TikTok although I have not always been a fan and have often been critical of the social media app. I blame my sister. Contrary to my prior belief, it’s actually fun. My sister practices TikTok dances and given the abundance of free time due to the quarantine, she has unfortunately roped me into her TikTok shenanigans. First it started out as a simple request: “Cristian, can you record me doing a TikTok?”. Then it was: “Cristian, you should try this dance… do it for TikTok”. Next thing I know, I’m dressed up in a ridiculous, totally unnecessary outfit vying for internet stardom. And honestly, I’m not ashamed. I know, I know, bless my soul. I just think it’s interesting the way my beliefs changed. I went from viewing TikTok as a super pointless social media platform with no intentions to ever actively participate, to someone who rehearsed a dance for the #foryoupage. And I had fun during the entire process. 

I still take issue with social media in some regard but I see the benefits of it now. Social media actually has the ability to create stronger bonds among people and add to the human experience. I think social media is harmful when people use it as a means to increase their social capital or popularity instead of managing a personalized platform that is honest, authentic, and completely original. At times I wonder who is harmed most by misrepresentations on social media, the individual or everyone else. I often wonder why people find the need to let everyone else know what they are doing or who they are with. I wonder if it is for us, the viewers, or if it is for them. 

Maybe this is a boomer opinion, but I think life was fine before social media showed up to the scene. I think more harm was done with social media than good, ultimately. I’m not gonna say that social media is all good or all bad, but I will say this: use it responsibly. Have fun! Make silly TikToks and post funny memes! Just don’t manipulate other people’s perceptions of yourself and don’t get obsessed with your own fame. That process is mutually detrimental. 

 

Now I will reveal the steps for making the perfect TikTok.

 

1. Practice the dance
   1. Nothing is worse than watching a wannabe TikTok star film a dance that they don’t know. It can’t be sloppy or uncoordinated. Really. Please, spare us all. 
2. Pick the Right Song
   1. Once you’ve got the moves down, the next essential step is picking the right song. You can get creative and make your own dance, pairing it with well-suited jams or you can go by the book and celebrate what’s trending. 
3. If Comedy is Your Game
   1. Make use of the text function for funny captions and rely on short takes. Comedy is all about making fun of something relatable in an authentic, original way. 
4. Have fun
   1. It’s all about fun. Making a TikTok should be a fun and rewarding process. If you’re not having fun, then you’re not doing it right. Or maybe it’s just not your cup o’ tea. 

 

Hopefully this blog post was able to take your mind off of the coronavirus outbreak and be reminded of normal life. I hope everyone stays safe and I encourage all to practice social distancing as we all ride out this wave of uncertainty and misfortune.