Teenagers are exposing the negative people in their life on Tiktok and it’s changing how we view victims and abusers

When TikTok debuted in 2018, it was downloaded over 600 million times, outperforming all other social apps that year. 60% of its users are aged 14–24. You only have to use the app once to see how much content is pumped on to it by teenagers everyday. They’re posting daily routines, funny videos, dance trends.

TikTok is for small content creators. Regardless of your following, they will force your video on to the For You Page, giving everyone a chance at going viral. Many news stories focus on the popular young creators, who are already signing management deals, growing followings in the millions, and starting careers which reflect the YouTubers of the past decade.

I count myself among the many users that spend an average of 52 minutes a day on the app, scrolling away. It becomes mindless, barely absorbing one 15 second video before moving on to the next. I noticed a few videos where people would narrate screenshots of texts with their parents, detailing horrible names and shocking abuse. One girl tells the story of how her step-mum ripped up her paycheck. Another shows the texts from her mum saying she can’t live at home anymore because she made the mistake of eating a chocolate bar that wasn’t hers. It was surprising to see these stories, told in less than minute, sometimes with no resolution. I click on their profile, hoping to see a happy ending. Some users post videos exacting revenge, filling their evil step-parents shampoo bottle with blue hair dye, like a 21st century Matilda.

The comment section is always filled with support, people relating with their own stories and offering advice. Teenagers are using this app to let their feelings out, but also to get help. These victims are reclaiming their stories, shining an honest light on the people in their lives. Even if there is nothing that can be done about their situation, they have people there to listen, friends in the comment section of their videos.

Sadly, many cases of abuse are hidden behind closed doors. You never know what is going on at home and for a long time, victims did not know how to deal with it. There has been a lot of conversation about speaking out when you’re struggling in recent years, and with TikTok comes a new way to reach out. Abusers cannot hide anymore. You will be outed and your wrongdoings will be shown to the world. The next generation aren’t putting up with it anymore, and it’s amazing.