“Trish, do u like any Tiktok trends and if so which ones and why?”
Hi there, Ask Trish readers! I hope you’re all well and having a great July. Welcome back to another week of Ask Trish!
Thanks so much to this week question-er for the fantastic question. Here on Ask Trish, we spend a lot of time talking about digital harms (and in my defense, there’s a TON to cover there. We’re 118 posts in, and I haven’t even come close to running out of topics to explore!). But beyond the scary, unreliable, and hurtful sides of the internet are also empowering, awesome, fun digital experiences. And unlocking those experiences — harnessing that part of the digital world — is another core component of being a responsible, safe, happy digital citizen! So in this week’s post, I’m going to briefly share 3 TikTok/general social media trends I’ve seen that I really like, trends that, I think, reflect the #awesome side of the internet. After you finish reading it, I hope — if you’re comfortable/active on social media — that you might participate in the trend that most resonates with you. It’ll be a great opportunity to sharpen your responsible social media skills!
Sound like a plan? Let’s get into it:
Trend #1: Radical pay transparency
A TikTok trend that I’ve loved seeing get traction recently is the so-called “radical pay transparency” trend, where users (often, young women) talk candidly about pay, budgeting, and everything-else-money. I’ve seen users talk openly about the salaries that they’ve received for different jobs at different companies, share with followers their monthly budgeting templates, reflect on their experiences with investments, and even be completely honest/vulnerable about a layoff/how they’re handling it. For me, this content is powerful in so many different ways. For one, radical pay transparency can be a key way to level the gender and racial pay gap; indeed, many posters are young women of color, the people that are most hurt by that gap. By making pay transparent, these posters are making it more and more difficult to hide inequity. For another, this content (when it doesn’t attempt to be professional financial advice — which it’s not! Please don’t claim that it is) can give users lots of interesting insights and food for thought. I’ve definitely incorporated a lesson or two into my budgeting. And finally, this trend is helping make money-related matters, including difficult experiences, like layoffs, far less taboo; no doubt, the vulnerability and openness is affirming countless people out there.
Trend #2: Doing a TikTok dance…with your grandparents
We all love a creative TikTok dance, especially when it’s perfectly executed #impressive. But you know what’s even more impressive (and arguably much more cute)? When you can convince grandma, grandpa, a parent, or another — let’s just say it, older — relative to join you! I love this broader trend, which has remained popular over many years, as “cool” dances have come and go. It always brings a smile to my face to see grandma and granddaughter #crushingit on the dance floor. Not only is it really sweet, it’s a great way to blend your digital and in-person worlds. Very rarely are TikTok-ers making their ask of grandma by DM-ing them on social media; instead, they’ll give them a call, invite them over, and then spend a bunch of time practicing with them. That’s quality in-person time that, I’ve heard from many, is truly special and meaningful. So the next time you’re wondering how to find that balance between a social media day and a family day, considering bringing one of your relatives into your digital world. It might just be a huge hit!
Trend #3: Body positivity
Finally, similar to Trend #1, I’ve loved recent social media trends I’ve seen around body positivity. This content is also radically transparent, and it often involves users (again, usually young women) posting their bodies as they are or practicing/sharing self-love of their body, just the way it is. I’ve seen folks share what their photo-shopped tummy looks like vs. what they’re actually tummy looks like, talk about health without focusing solely on metrics like weight, and share mediations that honor and celebrate the body for getting you through each and every day. It’s such an affirming, inclusive part of the internet, and it even makes me — someone who really does feel very comfortable in my skin — feel a bit better, more confident, just a tad more understood. I can only imagine what it does for those folks who feel — as I certainly did as a child — anxious about their looks, their body, their self-image. The takeaway here? Authenticity is powerful, especially when it comes to our bodies.
I hope you enjoyed this post! If it ultimately inspires you to follow these trends/create related content (as I hope it does!), please do link your content in the comments – I can’t wait to see it (and give it some social media love)! And speaking of more content…I also need your help to make more Ask Trish content happen. After you finish reading this, take just 1-2 minutes and share any internet-related musings on your mind with me here. Remember, absolutely anything you’re wondering about is valid; I’ll always be here for it, and always be ready to help. Thanks a ton in advance for your contributions!
Have a great week,
Trish