TikTok

Unexpected Purpose Found in the Mainstream App

Written by Harmony Taetz Illustrations by Camille Grochowski

Although its content varies widely - from dance videos to outfit-of-the-day inspiration to clips about social justice issues to recipes for microwave brownies - the popular app TikTok contains videos that can appeal to just about everyone. However, the app does carry some about everyone. However, the app does carry some negative stigmas of being juvenile or a waste negative stigmas of being juvenile or a waste of time, which is why many TikTokers admit they were hesitant to initially create an account.

Melia Lawrence, junior psychology major, says she was opposed to downloading the app, despite encouragement from her youth group friends at church, until she realized it could be a way for her to better connect with them. Because she has many young followers, she feels like a role model tasked with representing Christian content.

“When I post Christian videos, a lot of younger girls comment on them asking to be friends, and I’ve had people tell me they look up to me. Their comments really help hold me accountable about what I post, because I do have that spotlight,” Lawrence says. This has translated into being careful about the content she shares, but it also allows her to be part of a branch of the app referred to as “Christian TikTok”; on this area of the app, one can find live Bible studies, inspirational verses and words of encouragement, relatable Christian humor and dances to worship music.

According to Lawrence, being a Christian on TikTok can be challenging. “When I start live Bible studies, sometimes people who aren’t believers will attack me for what I believe. But, it’s also been a blessing when people make comments like, ‘I just found your live videos and now I’m saved,’ ” she says.

Lawrence has made connections with Christian TikTokers all across the world. Through utilizing certain features of the app, such as the live video option, she has made strong friendships, including meeting some of her closest friends and her boyfriend through TikTok.

However, if it wasn’t for quarantine and lockdown procedures, when she had free time and a heightened desire for connection while isolated she may never have downloaded the app.

Brian Zunigha, director of Discipleship Ministries at CBU, also began his TikTok account during this time in order to foster relationships with students.

“Basically, I began my account during a season where access on-campus to connecting with students was almost non-existent. I thought it would be a way for me to know what was going on in their lives,” Zunigha says. As a Gen X TikToker, he has found it helpful to keep up with the changing times.

“TikTok allows me to know the slang and values and what’s happening in Gen Z’s lives,” he says. This mission of connection is also what led to Zunigha to post his own TikTok videos, which quickly gathered a good amount of fame. “When I started posting, my original goal was to be a voice for things I care about, whether it be adoption or showing a genuine, ‘This is what it looks like to follow Jesus’ faith,’” Zunigha says.

He relates how one of the first videos he posted was a short trend about camping with his children in the front yard, which blew up immediately.

“I was shook by how many people commented, wondering if this was what it’s like to have a father. The number of people who voiced hurt and pain from not having a dad was overwhelming. That encouraged me to keep posting in that same vein, so at least people could have some visual of what a good, loving dad could look like.”

While he has been able to share the gospel through TikTok, as well as connect his followers to churches around the U.S. a challenge Zunigha sees with the app is the way videos are hit-or-miss in terms of circulation.

“TikTok is a content-driven app, so it’s more like a YouTube for the common person where you can make a quick video. But, it has to be entertaining or else it’s not going to be seen,” Zunigha says. “Overall, I don’t see it as the best platform for connection but it is a good place for me to be able to open up and say here’s an example of how I live my life.”

Similarly, Lauren Hayter, sophomore graphic design major, has realized how seriously the app can be used. She started TikTok after encouraged by a friend that it would be fun, but quickly became invested.

“I initially posted a video of a friend of mine who passed away and it kind of blew up, which led me to think, ‘This is the perfect opportunity for me to share my testimony,’” Hayter says. “So I posted a video on TikTok of my testimony and that also blew up. Since then, I’ve decided to post more about how I came to faith and other Christian content.”

Steadily, she cast aside her initial biases about TikTok and began to embrace her unique platform for speaking about her journey to a personal relationship with Christ.

God has used me so much through so much through TikTok, which I TikTok, which I would have never would have never expected. expected.

— Lauren Hayter, sophomore graphic design major Lauren Hayter, sophomore graphic design major

“When I was thinking of getting TikTok, I thought it was stupid, or purely for middle schoolers,” Hayter says. “But as I started finding my place posting Christian content and using the platform to bring glory to God, my perspective of it changed. Now, I think it is so cool that God can use social media and someone like me, just a girl from southern California who nobody knows, to potentially reach other people with the gospel.”

Through the act of being vulnerable with her story on TikTok, Lauren has found a community of other Christian TikTokers, and continues to feel called to share what it looks like to be a young adult Christian.

“God has used me so much through TikTok, which I would have never expected. Sometimes I don’t realize I’m being used until people I don’t even know say that my videos have inspired them. There is such great fellowship on TikTok with other believers. Isn’t it just so cool that God can work through a social media app?” Hayter says.

Regardless of whether TikTok continues to carry the torch of being an app for younger generations, the content creators are of diverse age ranges. Christian TikTokers especially have found in the app a place for them to share their faith and connect with like-minded people during a time when isolation has been the norm. ◆