Eager to understand why so many people were talking about TikTok, I decided to download the app a few days ago. Since then, I have spent countless hours scrolling through the popular video-sharing application.

The app allows users to record videos of up to 60 seconds long. Video creators can also edit videos using filters and sounds.

“There is really creative and entertaining content, and it’s amazing what people can do with just 60 seconds,” said Grace Bechdol, Class of 2023.

On TikTok’s home screen you’ll find a “For You” page that uses algorithms to display an endless stream of videos similar to the ones that you have recently watched.

“One thing I really like about TikTok is that the algorithm does train itself to what you like. I follow a lot of fitness accounts on Instagram and I have started finding a lot of similar videos on TikTok,” added Bechdol.

You don’t have to make videos to be on TikTok, in fact, you can scroll through the site without even having an account.

“I think TikTok videos are fun to watch sometimes. It is a good way to pass your time when you have nothing else to do ... I do not have a TikTok account,” said Tanisha Deshpande, Class of 2023.

Many fashion trends like VSCO girlsand e-boys find their roots in TikTok.

Noticing this, Deshpande said, “I’ve just started watching TikTok videos, but I’ve seen [TikTok trends] influence other people around me.”

TikTok certainly has a presence at NYU Abu Dhabi. It is not uncommon to see people dancing to famous TikTok songs around campus. It also acts as a way for friends to share the content they like or to make TikTok meme references.

“They allow for some really fun interactions with my friends … One of my closest friends and I send at least 10 to each other every day because it is easy to get absorbed in them ... I see people doing TikTok dances especially at parties or around campus joking with their friends,” added Bechdol.

In a world of hatred, racism and environmental collapse, many users have used TikTok as a platform to raise awareness about current events. Notably, during the fires in Australia, many people came forward with TikTok videos that provided comic relief and also started conversations regarding climate change.

“I’ve seen videos of people expressing their opinions on sensitive topics,” added Deshpande.

However, despite all these trends and growing influence, the app is mired in controversy. There have been instances of strangers contacting children through the app.

“I think it’s a space for a lot of possible negativity and harassment ...You see really young girls being hypersexualized for their dancing. After I posted a few [videos] of my own, I just ended up taking them down because I didn’t feel like that was something that I personally needed to be putting on the internet. Not that I was doing something that was inappropriate or reflecting on me in a bad light, but it was just not something that I needed to have out there for the world to see,” added Bechdol.

In response to concerns about child safety, TikTok recently rolled out a new safety feature aimed at protecting young users online. Parents will now be able to control feed content, block direct messages, and limit how much time their children spend on the app.

As TikTok continues to grow, it is unlikely that the controversies associated with it will disappear. The engaging videos and the growing influence, however, can continue to use humor to talk about important issues and it can become an example of how the youth is creating impactful content for their enjoyment.