Consuming TikTok
In the new internet Era, people and many diverse groups like to watch videos on various platforms, one of these platforms is known as TikTok. The internet was created to facilitate life, with research, shared information, and various other actions but, now, it’s used as a showcase of many things, as presented in the app. These actions stimulate people to buy unnecessary products, which results in more consumption and waste of natural resources.
First of all, it can be said that overconsumption started when England and the Industrial Revolutions stimulated mass consumption, and these thoughts spread all over the world. Furthermore, with the internet and social media growth, users perpetuated consumption. They did that by overbuying online, because it is too easy to shop nowadays, just one click is necessary to get everything you want, therefore increasing consumption.
Diverse influencers, sponsored or not, make a lot of videos buying and showing their products, encouraging their viewers to buy too. These videos, with fun music and striking titles, result in a trend for consumers to purchase products they never will use. And these consequences are the big problem, TikTok and other media are impairing the balance of society, consumption and nature.
In contrast, you must be asking “How to be a conscious consumer during the TikTok Era?” and this is a big point. It’s difficult to see people buying and not be inclined to buy as well, but ask yourself “Do I need this product?” and “Will I use this product?” It could be the start.
Overall, many people are becoming aware that the big problem is overconsumption and are adopting ways to consume less. One of these ways is minimalism, that’s the people living with few things. In addition, it also has the "Zero waste generation" movement, to reuse and transform different things, and many other forms to be more sustainable. Therefore, society can live and use TikTok more consciously.
Developed by Carolina Gama Taveira, a medicine and Clac student from Rio de Janeiro.
