By Sahara Dhakal Kafle
TikTok has over 3.5 billion downloads worldwide and is one of the world’s most popular web apps. The TikTok app allows users to upload videos between 15 and 30 seconds long, distributed among their followers. It has quickly become the go-to app for smartphone users in Nepal. While initially used for entertainment purposes, many Nepalese users have discovered the platform’s potential for educational, awareness and motivational content. The app also provides a platform for individuals to showcase their knowledge, learned skills, and expertise and make a difference in people’s lives. TikTok has clearly developed into a breeding ground for a new generation of social media influencers, much like many other social media platforms. However, whether this is a positive or negative development is a matter of debate.
I also want to be careful when I use the word “influencer.” TikTok has developed a platform that can easily turn average users into viral sensations because of its user-friendly design, various creative tools, and algorithm that promotes exciting clips and videos. Therefore, underage kids must be discerning about who they follow and support. TikTok stars or influencers often gain popularity by sharing videos of themselves performing, either prerecorded or in real-time. Everyone who uses TikTok has probably seen a request or contest for virtual presents that may be redeemed for real money. One should not harbor animosity toward them because some of them have amassed huge followings by interacting with their viewers through live streaming, Q&A sessions and other interactive content. Some have even leveraged their platform to raise awareness and funds for charitable causes. However, it’s also important to note that those users face unique challenges as influencers, including stigmatization and discrimination due to the nature of their work. It’s natural to have opinions about what one sees on social media, but it’s important to remember that we don’t always know what’s happening in someone else’s life. It’s also important to remember that everyone has their path in life. Just because someone isn’t following a traditional or expected path doesn’t mean they’re not achieving something or contributing in their own way.
As the content diversity of the app increases, we’ve witnessed a wide variety of content in one app, including news, politics, laws, music, dance, cooking, awareness, funny, bizarre, and unusual short video clips. Initially, I used the app to watch trending videos, but after becoming a mother, I began sharing my own content on baby feeding and rearing. Through my videos, I aimed to raise awareness about the dos and don’ts of parenting, especially for new moms who may be struggling under the familial pressure of traditional and cultural practices that may not be the best for their child’s well-being. I’ve received much positive feedback and motivation from the moms in the TikTok community, both from rural and urban areas- but it’s not without challenges. As a free platform, TikTok can be an unforgiving place for hate and malicious comments. Some of my videos have received negative comments, calling me an “Anglophile,” “anti-traditionalist,” or “anti-culturist” – whatever that means. However, I remain steadfast in my mission to help others make informed decisions about their child’s health and well-being.
I strive to use this platform to teach and inform parents about good child-rearing practices. When I post videos about the risks of using coals, vigorous massage, and mustard oils on baby health in Nepal, where there is a lot of reliance on passed-down knowledge when taking care of an infant, my comment section is typically swamped with critical remarks. I’ve also been even fortunate enough to hear wrath from fresh graduate doctors, who believe Nurses are substandard to doctors and shouldn’t be giving medical advice. I only believe in substandard patient care, which occurs due to negligence or medical malpractices of healthcare workers. Even though postpartum malpractice in mother’s and infant’s care is too inconsequential for policymakers and doctors to take notice, when patients and their families do all the don’ts even after periodic visits to the doctor’s office for the first nine months – well, that alone should be issue enough for a panel discussion in a doctors board meetings and paediatrician conferences. In case you ask, what could be the reason? Is counselling falling short, or isn’t it impactful enough? Is such counselling even happening? Is there any handouts, poster and pamphlets? Unless otherwise specified, the standard becomes substandard; who determines what is appropriate?
To make the matter worse, I have differed from the opinion of celebrity mothers for disseminating false information and harmful behaviours, such as squeezing out any fluid from their baby’s breast, keeping them constantly covered in a blanket and lacing kajal or surma in newborn’s eyes; which is not only bad practice but has already been declared risky by paediatricians, general doctors, or nurses during prepartum hospital visits. Despite that, it is so ingrained in our culture — used in every household — as normality. I simply want to be a voice for safe practices in parenting and child-rearing through disseminating factual information and promoting a healthy lifestyle using my social media platform. As a mother, I understand the pressure of societal and familial expectations. Still, I believe it is our responsibility to do what is best for our children’s health and well-being. While some viewers may resist my message due to cultural norms and traditions, I believe it’s important to question the status quo and challenge harmful practices when raising our children. Ultimately, my goal is not just to amass followers or views but to positively impact people’s lives and help them achieve their goals.
Since TikTok can reach a vast audience, making it a perfect platform for raising awareness and advocating significant causes, awareness-related videos have grown in popularity in recent years. It has become integral to many people’s lives, providing entertainment, education, and an outlet for self-expression. As with any social media app, it’s important to use it responsibly and be mindful of its impact on our lives. While it can be fun and engaging, TikTok also collects a significant amount of personal data and has faced criticism for promoting harmful content. Short videos and AI that tracks your preferences can keep you captivated for hours. Therefore, it is essential to know how to balance the benefits of TikTok with its potential risks. TikTok has a promising future, and its ability to inspire action and improve people’s lives will expand with the app’s popularity. My advice to all the readers is to be confident in your abilities and not let shyness or self-doubts prevent you from influencing people. If you have the right intentions and aspire to make someone happy, the courage to uplift, inspire and motivate others, or even entertain and amuse others, welcome to TikTok.
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