I still don’t consider myself a content creator but technically I am one.

If I ever want to grow my audience, the fastest way to getting my name across the digital space is on Tiktok. Tiktok is fresh, has amazing algorithm, and has younger demographic compared to Facebook.

Because let’s face it, Facebook nowadays is like an echo chamber for your aunt’s cancelable takes..and that’s rich coming from a Millenial.

I’ve heard of Tiktok way back 2020 when everyone was forced into prolonged isolation and had no choice but to sit with their own thoughts and played with their demons. Somehow, some people found a fun way to exorcise these demons by creating dubs, dance reels, and document their dalgona coffee or share their airfryer meals.

While Tiktok was a fun digital space to escape from reality back in 2020, it took me 4 years to open an account.

WHY?

I’m chronically online and read a lot of online talks and news, saying that Tiktok is a tool for China to spy on us. It poses a lot of threat on our privacy as it allegedly farms data from our online activities.

Allegedly, even if you’re not logged on to Tiktok, your keyboard, mobile strokes, personal and actual conversations are recorded as long as the app is installed on your mobile. This is what makes its algorithm very specific to you. It’s tracking everything you do and say and bombards you with more information to exploit you and coerce you to buy or do something.

While these are just allegations, these things are believable to me that it hindered me to create an account on Tiktok. In fact, some of my friends still don’t have Tiktok because of this.

WHAT CHANGED?

I still believe that Tiktok is spying on us but…so is X, Meta, Google and every social media there is online. I mean, have you noticed when you and your friends discuss face-to-face and whatever topic you were discussing soon enough appears on your Facebook, Instagram, X and even when you open your Shopee accounts?

Even if we go high and mighty and not install Tiktok, as a common man, it is still inevitable. I believe that we are pawns that are being exploited by the 1% because of the data we feed on our digital space.

With that said, I chose to open a Tiktok account because I realized that I’m holding off the fun thinking that I’m special and interesting enough for people to gather intel from me. I usually open my Tiktok to watch dogs, cats, food, anime and movies that I find interesting at the moment. I’m not a government worker to have confidential information, I’m not rich or hold important position, etc.

There are benefits to having TikTok. For one, you get really good food, book, and movie recommendations in a bite-sized format. Two, there are a lot of easy-to-follow recipes and workout plans on Tiktok. Lastly, it’s a really good place to watch short clips of feel-good moments and to have a laugh.

BUT…

Despite having Tiktok, I am a person who self-regulates their usage and share as little personal information as possible. I only post Tiktok for my food blog, reviews and pictures.

I try to spend as low as 1-hour or 2-hours on weekend on Tiktok. I also follow certain safety protocols not just on Tiktok but on social media.

But at the end of the day, Tiktok won. These evil billionaires won. The government won. Which government? Let’s just toss a coin and hope it’s the lesser evil.

I’d like to think that someone somewhere out there is spying on me saying “Take a look at this guy!” every time I search for something dumb and pathetic.