Storytime: I deleted TikTok (not clickbait)

Artwork: Lysander Colindres

“So, who here has TikTok?” 

Last week, my multicultural literature professor asked my lecture of over 100 students this question.

To my surprise, no more than 15 people raised their hands. Maybe, it’s embarrassment or shyness among this class of mostly first year students, but seriously? Fifteen percent of the class? Maybe, another 20 students weren’t paying attention. But I know that if it was my freshman year, all hands would be eagerly raised in that Zoom classroom. 

I first deleted TikTok in my first year of college. The year was 2021, and I was going to a school that simply wasn’t a good fit for me, while my friends and former classmates were seemingly having the college experience of their lives.

I was constantly “should-ing” myself. I was planning how I could transfer out of my current condition, making a never-ending list of what I was doing wrong and how I needed to change my situation.

And I know that I’m not alone in this feeling. Many studies and popular documentaries, such as The Social Dilemma, have pointed out how, while social media connects us, it also leaves us feeling more lonely and isolated than ever. Not only this, but heavy social media use in adolescents has been linked to lower self esteem.

One day, my college FOMO grew so big and strong that I turned to TikTok and deleted it. 

And then, I redownloaded it. And then, I deleted it again. This went on for a few months until my algorithm slowly started becoming less funny due to my inconsistent use.

And now that the app has been gone for nearly two years, I feel I have the proper grounds to reflect upon my time living under a rock.

What changed?

Well, for one, my days got longer. Noticeably longer. As someone who averages six hours of screen time per day now, there’s no doubt in my mind that I was clocking upwards of 10-12 when I had TikTok. 

Even two hours back in my day means more sleep, more time I can work (thus, more money), or even more time to spend with friends.  

Sure, influencers can be a source for inspiration, life hacks are abundant on the platform, and it’s one of the easiest and quickest ways to keep up with pop culture. I very much miss the life hacks. And, from time to time, I do feel out of the loop. 

Any question that starts with, “Do you know that sound where..,” the answer is no. But the same goes with most movies, as I spent middle school and most of high school watching Youtube, instead of any streaming services. 

I also feel like the most useful hacks and the funniest TikToks still make their way to me, thanks to my friends. Word of mouth, one of the most ancient forms of influencing, is still alive and well.

So, do you think you’re better than everyone or something?

Yes! So glad we could touch on this. That's precisely why I wrote this blog. 

Kidding! However, it’s with great sadness that I report I’m now stuck on Instagram Reels. Embarrassing! At first, the thought was that Instagram Reels are so terrible and cringey that I’d voluntarily close out of the app. 

This actually worked for a month or two, but the algorithm knows me well now. I’m back in the loop of being spoon fed the yummiest recipes and the most insightful and thought-provoking memes I could have ever dreamed of. 

Instead of collecting and DMing my friends' TikToks, I have an Instagram folder filled with memes and get roasted by my friends once a week for DMing them Reels. It’s pitiful. 

Uh that’s nice… Now what?

I still hold on to the belief that deleting TikTok has changed my life for the better. Even just one hour free from the mindless scroll adds up over time. 

I had a grade school teacher that often said “garbage in, garbage out,” and I think it almost goes without saying that we are heavily influenced by the media we consume. Between the news and the online ecosystem of influencers, I know that unlimited access to the “perfect” lives of others isn’t healthy for me. 

Am I destined for a full social media cleanse? Maybe. But, at the same time, maybe it is time I abandon my cavewoman era and treat myself to the funny content I’ve been missing.