Thinking You Might Need to Leave TikTok? I’m Concerned & You Should Be Too

I know what you’re thinking- “But Virginia, you’re a VIDEO coach! You really want me to think about getting rid of TikTok?” I know, I know, indeed I am. So, what gives?

Well, I’ve been doing some research in regards to TikTok, suffice it to say, I’m having second thoughts on the popular digital interface. 

In case this is your first time tuning in, let me introduce myself. Reporting from my laundry office in small-town Illinois, this is Virginia Kerr. And I’m here to help you stand out and make money by leveraging and up-leveling your social media videos. I’ve been in the TV and video industry for more than 20 years. Four TV newsrooms, hundreds of videos, blogs, and podcasts later, I’m here to share what I’ve learned with women ready to get the most out of their hard work. 

Does video intimidate you? Make you want to hide? I’m excited to help you push through your limiting beliefs and show you that you can shine on video! I’m closing the gap by teaching you easy systems and sharing templates that help your videos get in front of your ideal clients. 

Welcome to This is Virginia Kerr, The Podcast! Let’s get started!

Let’s Get Into the Issues at Hand

First off, the security issues abound when it comes to TikTok. The data mining is pretty unreal, and sends off much of your digital footprint to China. (Hope they enjoy my penchant for cat videos and mug cake recipes). 

Not only that, but the app is able to access your microphone, your camera AND your text messages, even when the app isn’t open. It can basically take over your phone…where you probably pay all your bills…that’s some disturbing math.

There’s also inappropriate content aplenty, and since it’s more randomized than other social media apps, you don’t have as much control over what you see. Sure it tailors itself to your taste a bit, but there’s still a lot of shady content out there circulating, especially if your audience mainly focuses on trends. Know who really focuses on trends? Kids. Yikes.

Ironically though, when it comes to censorship TikTok is pretty notorious for taking down accounts of those who are mostly innocent. This is because if you don’t like someone, or what they’re saying, you can report them and get them banned. But the people who are out there posting truly devious things skate by if they’re popular? 

Lastly, the app is like a mind worm. It’s designed to keep you scrolling for as long as possible. It might even lead you to videos that make you angry or sad or feel bad about yourself. The goal of this is to keep you scrolling until you’re happy again. That’s right, TikTok is the new manipulative high school frenemy.

So, Should You Leave TikTok?: The Bottomline

Look, I can’t make that call for you. I CAN tell you that my young children are not allowed on TikTok. It’s impossible to monitor, unlike Facebook and Instagram. I’ll also say that prolonged use of TikTok literally shrinks your brain and depletes your attention span. So if it’s detrimental to an adult brain imagine what it could do to a child’s brain.

If you feel like you can be disciplined and careful, I’m not saying to completely discount TikTok as a resource to expand your brand. Heck, I’m still on there, and in the next episode, we’ll explore some of the positives associated with the app.

But I feel like you need to make the best decision for you and your family, and do whatever it takes to keep all of you healthy and safe. 

If you liked what you learned here, head on over to Instagram and share it on your IG stories and tag me, @thisisvirginiakerr

For more information about the podcast, or to learn more about This is Video School, visit my website. I would love to connect with you more on social media! You can find me on Instagram or join my free Facebook community, This is Video and Content Strategy, to help you level up your branding, messaging and video so you can grow your audience and convert followers into customers.

I look forward to seeing you there!