"The Excitement of TikTok Trends and the Risks They Bring"

In today’s generation, it is very evident that TikTok has quickly become a favorite among young people, especially in the Philippines. According to Zhang (2024), TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short videos that feature a wide range of content such as dance challenges, comedy content, and other trending and engaging videos, and because of this, it gained immense popularity. During the pandemic, TikTok became popular for entertainment and community, but it also presents challenges for mental health and self-image, showing both its bright and dark sides (LaFleur, 2023).

TikTok has numerous benefits, including entertainment, education, and business opportunities. According to Raymond (2025), it offers a wide variety of fun videos that keep users engaged and encourage them to explore new trends. Moreover, educators and content creators can effectively share short lessons or educational videos which make learning enjoyable and accessible. For businesses, TikTok serves as a powerful marketing tool, in a way that enables brands to reach a large and diverse audience through its TikTok shop feature and creative content which resonate with consumers. By leveraging these features, businesses can enhance their visibility and connect with potential customers in innovative ways (Kakadia, 2024). However, there are also downsides of using TikTok. It can negatively impact mental health, particularly among teens, which leads to anxiety and low self-esteem, and it can also be addictive, which distracts users from real-life responsibilities and meaningful interactions with others (Peiro & Permuy, 2024).

In conclusion, TikTok has become a major platform for many people which offers a lot of advantages. However, it also poses challenges. That’s why users must find a balance to enjoy the platform's benefits while staying aware of its potential downsides. By doing so, they can maximize their positive experiences while minimizing any negative impacts on their well-being.

References

LaFleur, G. (2023, December 19). TikTok. WhatIs. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/TikTok

Kakadia, K. (2024, November 5). How to Grow Your Business with TikTok: A Step-by-Step Success Guide. Sociallyin. https://sociallyin.com/blog/how-to-grow-your-business-with-tiktok/

Peiro, I., & Permuy, R. (2024). 20% of young people spend too much time on TikTok. UOC. https://www.uoc.edu/en/news/2024/adolescents-addiction-to-tiktok

Raymond, D. (2025, May 5). Top 10 Pros & Advantages of Using TikTok. ProjectManagers.net. https://projectmanagers.net/top-10-pros-advantages-of-using-tiktok/\

Zhang, V. (2024, June 14). What is TikTok and how did it become so successful? Meltwater. https://www.meltwater.com/en/blog/the-rise-of-tiktok-a-guide-for-marketers