The ‘TikTok screenshots’ page over on Twitter has 93.7k followers, and has been showing the internet the weird side of viral videos and the comments beneath them since December 2021.
Oh, you’re bound to find bizarreness everywhere you look, on every social media network, for sure. However, TikTok has a very specific type of humor that you won’t find replicated elsewhere. In short, the humor’s pretty unique. And that’s what ‘TikTok screenshots’ is trying to show us while amusing and confusing us in the process.
TikTok content creator Anna told us what she thinks separates TikTok from other social networks. "I think the fyp ['For You' page] that learns your preferences is great," she said. "TikTok did videos first, which gives it the advantage in that area," Anna pointed out the advantages the platform has over other sites and apps.
According to Anna, TikTok is addictive because the content fits people's short attention spans. The platform provides videos that give people a hit of dopamine when they come across content that they can relate to and things that make them smile.
TikToker Anna explained that describing the platform's culture depends a lot on which 'side' of the app you happen to be on.
"Political TikTok has a lot of animosity. BookTok (my personal favorite) goes for inspiring writers and encouraging people to share your favorite reads and is much more welcoming. Music creators who are incredibly creative can share their lyrics, and dancers have creative choreography opportunities," she said that there's a bit of everything for everyone. And pretty much everyone's able to find a niche that suits them depending on their interests and temperament.
"I think TikTok is an easier place to go viral, since people are watching many videos by different creators all the time. It takes work to stay viral, though, and gain the popularity some big creators have," she said.
TikTok essentially lowers the barrier to entry if you want to start creating and posting video content online. What this means is that it’s technically easier than ever to start sharing your thoughts, comments, memes, and imaginative videos with the world. At the same time, it means you’re in constant competition with a ton of other creators (though it’s perfectly fine if you don’t care about views and going viral, too).
Social media expert Ariane Sherine recently told Bored Panda that people need love, approval, and attention. That’s why they try to get it anywhere that they can. Including social networks.
"It’s a human need to want approval from others, and there are far more people available to provide approval online than in real life," Ariane explained to us why many people hope that they get viral and noticed on a global scale.
"Online validation is also there forever for everyone to witness. It’s a rare person who is completely impervious to the thrall of millions of strangers liking what they do—it’s exciting and boosts your self-esteem,” she told us.
Meanwhile, media expert Mike Sington noted that people’s desire for online fame is related to massaging one’s ego. It helps us feel good about ourselves.
"Trying to go viral and get recognition online is really mostly about ego. Everyone wants recognition, everyone wants their fifteen minutes of fame, and getting it online is a relatively easy way to do it, all from the comfort of your home," Mike told Bored Panda earlier.
