Mario Singarella's review of Mario's Review of TikTok
Date last edited: 11-22-2024 at 05:40PM
Rating: Teen
Review:
Title: TikTok
Developer: ByteDance
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Genre: Social Media/Short Video Sharing
Rating: 12+ (App Store), Teen (Google Play)
My Rating: 2 stars
Primary Audience: Teenagers and Young Adults
Year of Release: 2016
TikTok has quickly become one of the most downloaded apps worldwide, reshaping how we consume and create content. Its short-form videos and user-friendly editing tools have revolutionized media sharing. However, from a Catholic perspective, TikTok often promotes values and behaviors that conflict with the virtues we strive to embody. While it has potential for good, the platform frequently fosters content that distracts us from our ultimate purpose. Through the lens of the Seven Media Keys, I’ll explore how TikTok impacts our spiritual and moral lives.
The First Media Key: Balance
The virtue of temperance is essential for maintaining balance in our use of media. As Dr. Gan states, “Moderation is about setting limits so that we can focus on what truly matters” (Gan, pg. 35). TikTok’s endless scroll and algorithm-driven content are intentionally designed to keep users engaged for long periods. This often leads to overuse, diverting attention from family, prayer, or meaningful work. The platform is designed to encourage quick consumption, and the constant influx of new videos makes it difficult for users to set boundaries. For example, the "For You" page tailors content based on user activity, which can create an addictive feedback loop, leading users to spend hours mindlessly scrolling through content that offers little long-term benefit. The platform challenges us to develop self-discipline and avoid becoming consumed by its addictive design, reinforcing the importance of temperance in our media consumption.
The Second Media Key: Attitude Awareness
Prudence is crucial for forming a reflective attitude toward media. Dr. Gan writes, “The first step toward discernment is recognizing how media influences our thoughts, emotions, and actions” (Gan, pg. 50). TikTok’s algorithm often amplifies trends and content that emphasize vanity or materialism. For instance, viral challenges or dances that focus on appearance or external validation often overshadow deeper, more meaningful content. A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that social media platforms like TikTok can contribute to body image issues, particularly among teenagers. By focusing on superficial success and fleeting popularity, the platform fosters an environment where users are drawn to appearances rather than substance. This distorted perspective undermines prudence and makes it difficult to discern what is truly valuable. For Catholics, this reflects the need for a prudential approach to media, one that requires reflection on how content aligns with our values.
The Third Media Key: Dignity of the Human Person
Justice reminds us to respect the dignity of every individual. Dr. Gan notes, “Media should uphold the value of every person as a reflection of God’s love” (Gan, pg. 58). Unfortunately, TikTok often undermines this principle by promoting unrealistic beauty standards and encouraging users to conform to trends for validation. Filters and editing tools can lead to a focus on external appearance over inner worth. A video posted by a user with a heavily filtered face may attract more attention than one with a natural appearance, suggesting that external beauty is what truly matters. This diminishes the appreciation of human dignity, reducing users to their perceived popularity or aesthetic appeal. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that all human beings are created in God’s image and that we must respect each individual’s inherent dignity (Catechism, 1700). This principle is often undermined on TikTok, where users are incentivized to gain validation based on their looks or the number of likes they receive, rather than the value of their character.
The Fourth Media Key: Truth-Filled
Fortitude is essential for living in accordance with truth. Dr. Gan asserts, “Media can either lead us toward truth or distract us from it; it is up to us to seek what is real and good” (Gan, pg. 63). TikTok’s content often distorts reality, with curated lifestyles and false portrayals of happiness dominating the platform. The "highlight reel" effect where users only post the most polished versions of their lives creates unrealistic expectations of happiness, success, and self-worth. For example, many TikTok videos emphasize material possessions, lavish vacations, or unattainable beauty standards. These misleading depictions make it harder for users to resist temptations and maintain a commitment to what is true and meaningful in life. The Catechism reminds us that truth is central to human dignity and flourishing (Catechism, 2467). TikTok's distortion of reality challenges our ability to live authentically and in alignment with truth.
The Fifth Media Key: Inspiring
Hope calls us to look beyond the temporal and toward the eternal. Dr. Gan explains, “True inspiration comes from recognizing the beauty of God’s creation and the call to live out His purpose” (Gan, pg. 72). While TikTok has moments of creativity and humor, it often lacks deeper inspiration. The platform’s focus on trends and materialism encourages users to chase superficial goals, offering temporary motivation instead of fostering hope in God’s plan for their lives. For instance, many TikTok users post content about short-term rewards, such as gaining likes or followers, rather than engaging in activities that promote lasting personal growth or faith. The hope that TikTok inspires is often rooted in shallow, fleeting goals rather than the eternal truths found in faith and purpose.
The Sixth Media Key: Skillfully Developed
Faith guides us to see creativity and skill as a reflection of God’s glory. As Dr. Gan writes, “Skillful development in media should aim to build up, not tear down, the human person” (Gan, pg. 79). TikTok is undoubtedly well-designed, with cutting-edge editing tools and an intuitive user experience. However, its purpose is often profit-driven, prioritizing engagement over the well-being of its users. TikTok’s “For You” page algorithm, for example, is engineered to keep users on the app for as long as possible, feeding them content that aligns with their past viewing habits. While this technological advancement demonstrates the skill behind the platform, its design frequently falls short from a Catholic perspective, as it is often used to promote fleeting entertainment rather than to nurture the good, the true, and the beautiful. This focus on profit and engagement above user well-being runs counter to the Christian vision of media development.
The Seventh Media Key: Motivated by and Relevant to Experience
Charity invites us to love others selflessly and build authentic relationships. Dr. Gan states, “Authentic connections in media should reflect the self-giving love of Christ” (Gan, pg. 84). While TikTok connects millions globally, it often promotes self-promotion over selflessness. The platform’s emphasis on gaining followers and likes fosters competition rather than genuine community. TikTok challenges the authentic relational quality that charity encourages by prioritizing the quantity of followers and the validation received through likes, rather than focusing on building real connections. True charity calls us to value others for who they are, not for their fabricated digital personas, a standard that TikTok struggles to meet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, TikTok presents a unique challenge for Catholics striving to live virtuously. While the platform’s creativity and reach offer potential for good, its design often encourages imbalance, superficiality, and a focus on fleeting trends over eternal truths. As users, we must remain vigilant about how we engage with TikTok, ensuring that our media consumption aligns with our faith and values. By using the Seven Media Keys as a guide, we can strive to bring light and truth into our digital interactions, even on platforms like TikTok.
Target Audience: TikTok’s primary audience is teenagers and young adults, who are especially influenced by social media pressures and the focus on appearance. It is important for this group to use the platform thoughtfully, aligning their time on TikTok with values of faith, hope, and charity.
Seven Keys:
Balanced:
Attitude:
Personal:
Truth-filled:
Inspired:
Skillfully Made:
Experienced:
Overall Rating: 7/35
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