The Deeper Concern Behind TikTok "Trends"

Step 1: Rewritten Article

TikTok, the popular social media app known for its short-form videos, is facing potential ban in the United States. On March 13th, 2024, the House of Representatives approved a bill that would require the Chinese company, ByteDance, which owns TikTok, to divest or sell the app. Failure to comply could result in a ban. While the bill still needs to pass through the Senate and get approval from the President, there is growing concern about the impact of TikTok on society.

Among the various trends and aesthetics that have taken TikTok by storm, there is a deeper concern about the constant changing of trends and the pressure it puts on individuals to conform and lose their sense of identity. Aesthetics, which are specific styles or trends, have become increasingly popular on TikTok, with users adhering to a particular aesthetic that defines their entire personality. However, these aesthetics often change rapidly, with micro-trends emerging every few weeks.

This swift-paced trend cycle can be expensive and unsustainable for the average person. Constantly changing trends require individuals to continually update their wardrobes and adapt to new styles. Many TikTok influencers receive free products from brands to review, creating an unrealistic expectation for their viewers. This pressure to keep up with ever-changing trends can lead to a loss of personal identity and a sense of self.

One popular trend that has garnered attention is the "clean girl" aesthetic, where individuals focus on skincare and a healthy lifestyle. While there is nothing inherently wrong with adopting a skincare routine or striving for a healthier lifestyle, the excessive consumption of expensive skincare products can create financial strain for those who cannot afford it. Additionally, the rapid shift between aesthetics, such as the transition from clean girl to mob wife, further highlights the lack of individuality and the commodification of trends.

The rise of the "mob wife" aesthetic, inspired by shows like The Sopranos, glamorizes a lifestyle that often involves abuse and a darker reality behind the glamour. The timing of this trend and the anniversary of The Sopranos raise questions about the influence of media in shaping societal trends and desires. The portrayal of mob wives as an achievement solely based on marriage reduces women to a mere role and raises concerns about perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Another concerning trend on TikTok is the emergence of "trad wives," who adhere to traditional gender roles and prioritize being a homemaker. While being a stay-at-home mom or housewife is a valid choice for some individuals, promoting this lifestyle as the only desirable option can be damaging. It instills expectations in others, particularly in younger, impressionable viewers, that may not align with their aspirations or abilities. Moreover, this trend overlooks financial realities and the struggle many families face to make ends meet.

The constant pressure to conform to changing trends and the promotion of specific lifestyles can have negative effects on mental health and self-esteem. Individuals should not feel compelled to constantly update their appearances or conform to societal expectations. It is essential to emphasize the importance of individuality and self-acceptance rather than succumbing to the pressures of fleeting trends.

Step 2: Keywords

TikTok, ban, House of Representatives, ByteDance, Chinese company, divest, sell, social media, trends, aesthetics, identity, micro-trends, influencers, clean girl aesthetic, skincare, healthy lifestyle, financial strain, abuse, mob wife aesthetic, Hollywood, traditional gender roles, stay-at-home mom, housewife, impressionable viewers, aspirations, financial realities, conformity, mental health, self-esteem.

Keywords

TikTok, ban, trends, aesthetics, identity, financial strain, abuse, Hollywood, traditional gender roles, societal expectations.

Step 3: FAQs

Q: What is the concern behind TikTok trends? A: The concern lies in the pressure to conform and lose one's sense of identity due to rapidly changing trends and aesthetics on TikTok.

Q: How do these trends affect individuals? A: Constantly changing trends can lead to financial strain, a loss of personal identity, and a sense of inadequacy when unable to keep up with unrealistic expectations.

Q: What impact do aesthetics have on society? A: Aesthetics can commodify trends, reduce individuals to stereotypes, and create an environment where conformity is valued over individuality.

Q: How do TikTok trends perpetuate harmful stereotypes? A: The glamorization of lifestyles like "mob wives" can overshadow the darker realities behind them and reduce women to mere roles based on marriage.

Q: What are the concerns around promoting traditional gender roles and being a trad wife? A: It overlooks financial realities and instills expectations in younger viewers, limiting their aspirations and potential while perpetuating traditional gender roles.

Q: How can these trends impact mental health and self-esteem? A: The constant pressure to conform and the comparison to unattainable standards can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and low self-esteem.