Why TikTok Is Actually Good for Society (Yes, Really)

MJ Wynn
Mar 24
5 min read

Updated: May 25

Hey there friend! ✨ So, I've been scrolling through my FYP lately (as one does at 2 AM), and I couldn't help but notice something: everyone's got OPINIONS about TikTok. You know the ones - they're acting like TikTok is basically the end of civilization as we know it. "Our brains are turning to mush!" "We're becoming social media zombies!" 🧟‍♀️ And okay, fair point - TikTok can be a bit like that one friend who always brings drama to brunch. But let's keep it 💯 - what social platform isn't sometimes messy?

Here's the tea: we need to stop pretending any social media is perfect. Twitter (sorry, "X" - still not over that rebrand 😅) is literally chaos in digital form. Instagram has us convinced we need professional lighting and a trip to Santorini just to post a selfie. And Facebook? That's where your aunt is convinced Mercury retrograde is somehow connected to her juice cleanse. 🌠 But does this make these platforms completely useless? Not at all! If anything, TikTok might just be the most refreshing thing to happen to creative expression since people started putting lavender in their coffee. ✨

I know what you're thinking - "Another TikTok defender? 🙄" But trust me, there's more to this story...

The Power of TikTok's Universal Reach ✨

Let's talk about something wild: TikTok's FYP is basically a digital matchmaker for content! While it serves up personalized feeds (mine's a cozy mix of cottagecore vibes, astrology readings, and those life-changing food hacks that have me cooking at 2 AM 🌙), it also creates these amazing moments that bring literally everyone together. Remember Nala the Dog and those iconic Nala Stomps? That wasn't just for the pet people - it became a whole cultural moment that had everyone and their grandma doing the dance! 🐕

Real talk? TikTok's algorithm is like that friend who just gets you (and yes, I've spent way too many nights trying to figure out how it works 🤓). While other platforms basically put us in our own little bubbles, TikTok's more like... "Hey, I know you love your cottagecore aesthetic, but have you seen this amazing science experiment?" It's literally breaking down walls between different communities, helping small creators blow up overnight, and giving independent artists their big break.

The best part? You don't need a fancy setup or a million followers - just genuine, engaging content that resonates with people. How cool is that? 💫

How TikTok Changed the Game for Artists 🎵

Look, I'm totally that friend who's always sending you "you HAVE to hear this!" messages (guilty as charged! 🙋‍♀️), but TikTok has seriously revolutionized how we discover music. Gone are the days when you needed a record deal and a massive marketing budget to get noticed. These days, talent speaks for itself!

The way TikTok promotes music is actually mind-blowing. Instead of just pushing whatever's already trending, it gives everyone a fair shot. Take Alex Warren - his journey is literally giving me chills! After years of making music, his song "Ordinary" blew up on TikTok because people genuinely connected with its raw emotion. No fancy marketing, just pure talent! ✨

And it's not just a one-time thing! Look at Laufey bringing jazz-pop to Gen Z (obsessed! 😍), and d4vd going from recording in his closet to signing major deals. Even Fleetwood Mac got a whole new generation vibing to "Dreams" thanks to that iconic skateboarding video. Like, how wholesome is that? 🛹

TikTok and the Rise of Indie Authors 📚

Omg, can we talk about BookTok for a sec? Because this corner of TikTok isn't just changing the game - it's creating a whole new rulebook! The girlies (and everyone else) on BookTok aren't just sharing recommendations; they're literally reshaping the publishing industry. Even the big publishing houses are like "hold up, we need TikTok teams!" And my TBR pile? It's not even a pile anymore - it's a whole MOUNTAIN! 😅

The tea is piping hot with this one: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros? TWO MILLION COPIES, bestie! The Atlas Six went from self-published to "omg everyone's reading it!"

And don't even get me started on The Striiker by Ana Huang making everyone obsessed with sports romance.

Dark romance and spicy fantasy aren't just niche anymore - they're the main character! And Barnes & Noble? They're literally giving prime shelf space to BookTok faves.

The gatekeeping era is OVER!

It's Not the App, It's the People 🤔

Let's address the elephant in the room: TikTok criticism often stems from surface-level observations rather than deeper analysis. While it's easy to blame the platform for attention span issues or problematic content, research shows that social media behavior reflects existing human psychology rather than creating entirely new patterns. The platform itself is neutral - it's how people choose to use it that matters.

Consider these key points: First, TikTok's content moderation system, while not perfect, is constantly evolving to address harmful content. Second, the platform's educational potential has been demonstrated through countless successful #LearnOnTikTok initiatives, from language learning to professional skills development. Third, studies have shown that short-form content doesn't necessarily reduce attention spans - instead, it can serve as a gateway to deeper engagement with topics.

The reality is that any social platform reflects its user base.

Twitter's polarization, Instagram's perfectionism, and TikTok's occasional chaos aren't inherent to these platforms - they're manifestations of human behavior in digital spaces. Dismissing TikTok entirely while giving other platforms a pass? That's not just inconsistent, it's missing the bigger picture of how social media shapes and reflects our society. 💫

So, Is TikTok Good for Society? 🌟

After diving deep into the research (and many, many late-night scrolling sessions), I'm gonna say it: TikTok is actually doing more good than harm! It's democratizing creativity, giving voices to people who wouldn't have been heard before, and creating opportunities left and right. No gatekeeping, no drama - just pure potential!

Let me spill the facts real quick:

Small businesses are literally THRIVING - we're talking 200-300% sales increases after going viral! Get that bag! 💰
Educational content is making complex stuff actually make sense (shoutout to all the creators explaining investing like they're spilling gossip!) 🎓
Mental health convos? Finally happening without the stigma (we love to see it!) 🫂
People are learning about different cultures and perspectives without even leaving their room (budget-friendly world tour, anyone?) 🌎