What is a TikTok Trend?
A TikTok trend is a certain theme amongst a group of videos rising in popularity. A trend on TikTok could be a dance, jokes about a certain topic, or people sharing personal experiences. TikTok trends come and go every day, it doesn’t matter what the intent is. A trend poking fun at a celebrity or a wholesome trend about self growth, trends rise and fall.
What is the "Suspect" Challenge?
A new trend has risen on TikTok! The objectively hilarious trend crowned “The Suspect Challenge” is hard to miss on your for you page. The trend consists of two people filming each other running, while running they take jabs at each other. The things they say are relatable, funny, and lighthearted.
Examples of the "Suspect" Challenge
How do people deal with Trauma?
While the jabs are harsh they’re also turning something bad into something hilarious. The best medicine is laughter and that is on full display with these videos. Something as terrible as not having a parental figure is laughed at and turned into something that can be joked about. Getting to a point where you can joke about something deemed “dark” could be a sign that it’s starting to feel less depressing and unusual. People crave relatability and empathy. Posting these kinds of videos gets a good laugh while also hearing the voices of others who have gone through similar situations. Their comments, most of the time, include empathy with the creator.
The "Emotional Appeal"
These jokes heavily appeal to their audience because they’re relatable and make others' trauma seem less “foreign”. People need connection when they deal with trauma. TikTok and it's trends connect people from many different places and backgrounds.
The "Comedic Appeal"
Half the things they say are serious but the other half are completely hilarious. One person will just take the other person's quirks or insecurities and make fun of them. This is all done in a friendly way which makes it less mean spirited and more comedic. This overall lightens the mood of the video. People might not want to watch a completely depressing video even if they can relate. Adding jokes in between can make the audience feel a connection with the creator rather than the creator unloading all their trauma on the viewer.
Why is this trend popular?
This trend is popular because it makes others feel normal. It takes things people feel like no one else can relate too and gives them humans to feel comfortable with. TikTok is all about the audience. By appealing in many ways emotionally, this trend connects with a lot of people. Whether it’s through the humor or the relatability of an unfortunate situation.
How TikTok has Improved Youth's Mental Health?
TikTok provides an outlet for people to create, watch, and relax. Whichever one you choose to do, you can relate, empathize, or laugh. TikTok is all about connecting with others and enjoying content. People feel togetherness on TikTok. It eases the troubles one is dealing with in their life. They can open their phone and find others who are going through the same thing. They can cope through a good laugh or a conversation in the comments. People need company in troubling times and TikTok is a great place to feel unity.
Work Cited
Polaris Teen Center. "Teens and Mental Health: Common Problems, Issues, Disorders, and What You Can Do to Help." Polaris Teen Center, 10 September 2018, https://polaristeen.com/articles/teen-mental-health-stats/.
National Institute of Mental Health. "Mental Illness." National Institute of Mental Health, November 2022, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Stress Relief: Tips to Tame Stress." Mayo Clinic, 17 September 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456.