What Side of TikTok Are You On?

And why is it so accurate?

by JANE SHEVLIN graphics by JULIA THACK

Last week, I was grabbing Starbucks with a friend of mine to have our monthly catch-up on life. As we got talking, she asked a question that got me thinking;

“So, what sides of TikTok are you on these days?”

This question sounded so socially normal and acceptable.

Before downloading this infamous app, I was a skeptic. I was that person who said TikTok was never going to be as funny as Vine or that it was only for cringy dances. Well, I am here today to debunk that statement.

TikTok has grown into my full-time addiction. I cherish the time in the day where I get to scroll through my perfectly curated FYP (For You Page) and laugh one moment, cry another, and send the next video to my best friend about how we should try this ourselves. I find myself yearning for my end of day relaxation period which consists of TikTok scrolling and late night snacks. TikTok has built the newest and smartest way of capturing an audience through their extremely specific algorithm that is curated to personal interest. According to StayHipp, TikTok bases the “For You Page” on videos that you have interacted with in the past.

“As the app feeds people content based on how they interact with videos, it often groups them with others who have similar tastes, backgrounds, and experiences.”

The application has built communities within its grand network, all based on interests; very, very specific interest groups. My TikTok feed these days usually consists of home design, dessert, and photography, all hobbies of mine that play a role in my daily life. After talking with a few peers, I found there is a lot more to TikTok than what I was just seeing.

Friends responded with various sides of TikTok including cat, sports car, satisfying slime, manifestation and sylvanian drama, all content I have never been exposed to myself.

You name it, and TikTok has a side for it.

TikTok has grown to be a platform that has expanded to all niches through specific algorithms. The application has the ability to connect people all over the world with similar interest through their For You Page feature. Despite the beauty in connection, is the power of TikTok too strong? A common conception of the For You Page is its accuracy to real-life conversations and instances.

“After ordering from Zara this week, I saw so many videos on my feed about people ordering new clothes from Zara.”

For You Page’s have turned a social scroll pastime into a personalized and meaningful connection. The question is: Is the accuracy of this platform simply a harmless way to get connected or a breach of our personal privacy?

Black Lives Matter: How Brands Have Responded One Year Later

Performative activism vs. real change.

by MYKENNA MANIECE & MORGAN CALCARA graphics by CAROLINE RILEY

It’s been almost one year since our Instagram feeds were filled with infographics, resource pages, protest footage, and those infamous black squares. The Black Lives Matter movement experienced a nationwide resurgence in the summer of 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, emphasizing existing calls for systemic change. Brands across a variety of disciplines posted messages in solidarity and vowed to make changes, but the question is, was it all for show or were they telling the truth? Let’s take a look at five of today’s most popular companies and decide for ourselves.

Glossier

“action plan” describing how, among outside perspective, Glossier seems other things, the company will require to be making real changes in their anti-racism training, create a “code day-to-day operations, however The cult-favorite beauty brand of conduct” for customers, and host their unwillingness to continue released their first statement in quarterly Town Hall meetings. Outta engagement with previous employees solidarity with Black Lives Matter the Gloss responded saying they raises valid questions. on Instagram on May 30, pledging to donate “$500K across organizations embrace “Glossier’s plan with some reservations,” because their demands Gucci focused on combating racial injustice” were not fully met. and allocate “an additional $500K in As of December 9, Glossier had Known for dressing stars like the form of grants to Black-owned not responded to their remaining Harry Styles and Billie Eilish, this beauty businesses.” Glossier also demands, focusing instead on iconic fashion house’s message of created Community Resource solidarity was called out for being Pamphlets, a social media “From an outside perspective, performative as many recalled campaign that has highlighted organizations giving back to Glossier seems to be making the brand’s previous scandal involving a garment with blackface marginalized communities, as fundamental changes in imagery. The item in question well as the importance of wellness, mental health, and voting. While their day-to-day operations, was a black turtleneck sweater shown in Gucci’s 2018 Fall Winter these efforts are certainly a sign of however, their unwillingness Show that had a cutout for the progress, it’s important to note that on August 13, the Instagram account to continue engagement with wearer’s mouth surrounded by imagery of large red lips. In a letter @outtathegloss was created for previous employees raises to employees, creative director former Glossier retail employees to share their stories. In an open valid questions.” Alessandro Michele wrote that it caused him “the greatest grief” to letter, the account wrote, “Many learn the sweater was evocative of of us were duped by the pink brand announcing grant recipients, a racist imagery and that he takes full from Instagram” and proceeded to partnership with the WNBA for responsibility. Michele also stated detail accounts of discrimination and their Body Hero campaign, and most Gucci would be “putting in place a hostile work environments. Glossier recently the hiring their first VP of series of immediate actions across the shared their response just four days Brand, Kleo Mack. This hire marks world that will increase inclusivity, later, thanking Outta the Gloss and a notable change since last June, as diversity, participation and cultural other former employees for “holding Mack is one of the first Black women awareness at any level and in any [them] accountable.” The post also to hold a leadership position of VP workplace.” Shortly after this, the offered an apology and a detailed or above in the company. From an company announced its new annual

Gucci Changemakers scholarship, designed to ensure “a new generation of diverse young people will gain opportunities and education across the fashion industry at undergraduate colleges or universities.” The first class of recipients was announced in June 2020. While the scholarship is an excellent opportunity, the entire world of high fashion will need to continue making changes on the runway and in their designs in order to gain the trust of marginalized communities who have long been exploited and excluded by the industry.

H&M

The Swedish-based clothing and retail company is commonly known for its fast fashion for all ages and gender identities as well as for its efforts towards sustainability. In the past, H&M has been involved in multiple race-related incidents. However, it is apparent that the brand is making steps in the right direction. On June 1st, 2020, only a few days after the killing of George Floyd, H&M released a statement standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement saying that “there’s no room for silence.” The letter also highlighted their support for the Black community and acknowledged their past mistakes. The H&M Group pledged to donate five hundred thousand dollars to various organizations that fight for justice and equality for the Black community. In addition, H&M Group has prioritized the expansion of inclusion & diversity in the past year and continues to do so in 2021. As someone who has worked for H&M for a few years, I have seen this occur first-hand. For example, this past winter every associate was required to take a diversity and inclusion course through the company’s website. While in no way are they perfect, H&M has shown accountability for their mistakes and an effort to improve.

Ben & Jerry’s

This iconic ice cream company proves that not every brand feels forced to speak out about injustice, for some it has been a core value since the beginning. Ben & Jerry’s has a history of making their staff learn about structural racism and inequality in America and has even taken staff members to Greensboro, North Carolina to learn about it first-hand. More recently and shortly after the killing of George Floyd the company made a statement emphasizing the need to dismantle white supremacy and that “silence is not an option.” Within this statement the brand restated their 2016 statement in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Unlike other brand statements, Ben & Jerry’s included a concrete four step plan to dismantle toxic white supremacy. These steps included calling upon the former president and elected officials to denounce white supremacy, supporting Floyd’s family’s call to create a national task force, and calling on the Department of Justice to reinstate its Civil Rights Division. Time and time again, Ben & Jerry’s proves to be on the right side of history, showing you can have fun while still changing the world- something the founders wanted from the start.

“While in no way are they perfect, H&M has shown accountability for their mistakes and an effort to improve.”

A conversation about the influencer sphere.

by CALI DELISLE graphics by ALI DIMOVA

UGirl was lucky enough to meet with up-and-coming beauty guru and influencer Queen K. From makeup to music, he has been making a name for himself in the internet sphere. In a space such as social media that can be pretty dark, @queenkbeautyy is a source of love, positivity, confidence, and artistry. We sat down to chat with him (via Zoom) about his career thus far and the things he has learned since gaining a following and cultivating a brand. Queen K identifies with both they/them and he/him pronouns. UGirl will be honoring both when referencing our feature star.

Cali Delisle: We’ll start with how you would describe yourself and how would you describe who you are and what you do?

Queen K: I think I’m an artist. I’m a lover. I’m a believer. I’m a whole lot of things. I think I started as just like a young confused little child with a love for the arts and some big dreams and passions and from that I built up myself like a little empire. I made my social media following and music and art and did all these wonderful things and so many wonderful things to come.

CD: When you say you’re a believer, what are you believer in and how is that conveyed through what you do?

QK: So I think, compared to most people, I am somebody who believes in what is not possible, believes in sort of like the unknown. I’ve always just had this crazy sort of faith. Say, if somebody was like, “Oh that can never happen, that can never be a thing,” I’m that one person that’s like, “Actually I think that’s going to happen and I know it’s going to happen because I have faith in it because I can manifest it.” So I think just that’s pretty much how I’ve always lived my life. I’ve always just been a person that’s like, “I think this actually can happen and here’s how we’re going to do it,” and being a believer like that and just putting faith into some place that nobody else will put faith into. It’s really manifested such a beautiful life for myself.

Photo by @queenkbeautyy

CD: How would you say that that’s gotten you to where you are in your career, and how have you applied that in your own life?

QK: When I started getting into social media, constantly people would tell me, “Oh such a huge market, you’re not going to make it,” and, you know, I’m on my way. I said, “Actually I think I can do it,” and people would tell me, “You’re a boy in makeup. It’s this crazy thing that you’re doing. It’s so different and so unique and so taboo,” and I didn’t care. I just believed in myself and in the art and in makeup and all of that and I think that definitely helped me, because I was able to convey my creativeness and my faith to everybody who has seen me and now supported me and that’s part of the reason why so many of my supporters love me because I really just have that faith and I keep it moving.

CD: When did you get started in the makeup sphere? Did you always have a knack for it, or was it something you worked on and then eventually realized that you could do and do well? How did that journey start?

always been an artistic kid: I like I’ll do fashion- and it’s almost hard CD: How have your relationships makeup, I like music, I like dance, I to keep track of yourself and your with other people and with your like acting, I went to theater school. authentic self that you are trying to be loved ones been affected by your I’ve done a whole lot of that from a confident in sometimes when you do popularity and your increasing fame very young age. When I was super what I do. So it’s a journey. I still have and influence? young, maybe like 3 or 4, I was in days when I look in the mirror and I New York City walking around with hate what I see, but at the end of the QK: I think it’s so subjective and my parents going to Broadway and day you have to remind yourself that it’s different with every single stuff, and when I first saw a makeup you are your own person. You can’t relationship that I’ve had. My parents ad on a billboard, something sort of rely on what anybody else says. You and my family don’t really care that lit up inside me. Eventually I started just gotta find that confidence within much. I’m still their child and I’ll going on YouTube. I watched a bunch yourself. It really is within. always be that. I don’t think anything of tutorials. I taught myself how that I do will change their perception to do everything. I’m pretty much CD: How do you balance that of me. They will always love me for completely self-taught. I started authentic self that you talked about who I am, and they don’t really care practicing on myself. I would practice finding with wanting to be on-trend, for cameras or fame or social media. day and night. I would practice behind wanting to be a trendsetter, being But I will say lots of friendships that closed doors, because I didn’t want in the influencer sphere, etc.? It’s a I had prior to coming up and putting anyone to know it first. Then when very comparative environment and myself out there have dissolved. I’ve I finally found that confidence in that can wear on you and wear on taken some distance from certain myself and realized that there was your self-image. How do you stay people, because once people start nothing wrong with what I was doing authentic and genuine through all of talking about you and your name is and that it was just beautiful art, I that? out there, everybody wants a little started posting online and wearing piece of you. The better that you are makeup to school openly. People QK: Honestly it is so much back- doing, the more people want to be started to talk about it whether that and-forth. I’ll be on social media for around you and the more they want to be they loved it or they benefit from what you’re hated it. Either way, they were talking about. “I want to do whatever I can and share whatever gifts that I have to offer so that benefiting from. It really does affect every single relationship in a different CD: Where did you find that confidence? It obviously could not people can enjoy them and be happy and spread love and accept everyone. That’s it.” way, but overall I think I’ve just now narrowed down my friend circle to have been an overnight people who I really trust flip of a switch, but for readers and a week straight consuming all of the and who I know are actually there for followers of our magazine I’m sure trends that are going on and wanting me and not for anything else. they’d love to know how you unlock to be on-trend and hip and modern that confidence in yourself. and pretty, just comparing myself. It’s CD: What about the influencer awful and you have to acknowledge sphere has surprised you? QK: I think it’s probably one of my it. It starts with acknowledgement. biggest journeys to date. I’m still on You have to acknowledge that it’s QK: I think how social media is my confidence journey, and I know not good for you, and that has to be a really not all that it seems and how tons of people at home who may be decision you come to. I will also take there’s a lot more that goes on behind reading may struggle with confidence. huge social media cleanses where I the scenes. What you’re seeing on I think it’s something that the world zone out and won’t go on my phone. somebody’s profile is the tiniest most really tries to fix. People are like, Disconnecting is one of the best ways perfect snapshot of their life, and “What can we give you? What can to connect back with yourself– by there is so much more to a person and we do for you? What can we do for putting away all the other voices by to an influencer than their accounts the consumer so that you can be just meditating with yourself and and what they put online. So getting confident?” and honestly it’s really not your own thoughts. I’m personally a to see some of these people who anything that anybody else can do for little spiritual. I’ll use some crystals I’ve grown up admiring, I’ve seen you. It 100% comes from within you. I and sound bowls and meditate and some of the behind-the-scenes work had to work for so long in therapy or remember who I am. Also surrounding that people have done. They’re just just talking to people I love, making yourself with the people who you completely different -whether it be sure I am surrounding myself with love. I think that you are the people good or bad- there’s so much more to the right people in order to fully be who you surround yourself with. So people than what they display online, confident in myself. I’m somebody those people who you’re super close and that really surprised me. who loves to change so much. I’m with can also ground you and bring always in different looks -I’ll put on you back to yourself when you’ve lost wigs, I’m in different makeup looks, yourself.

Photo by Lilly Connors

CD: What do you hope that your followers see and take away from your page and your content? QK: I think I just I really just try to put out the best vibes, whatever that may mean. I just want people to feel loved. I want people to feel valued. I want people to feel seen and heard. I want to do whatever I can and share whatever gifts that I have to offer so that people can enjoy them and be happy and spread love and accept everyone. That’s it.

CD: What are some ways that you break the mold and set trends? How do you see yourself doing that, and do you find a sense of pride in that? CD: Of your platforms, which would you say is your favorite to use and what are some of your favorite projects or things that you’ve worked on or put out so far?

QK: I think it changes, but TikTok right now is my favorite platform. I love TikTok. It’s a really great way to get exposure.

CD: Describe your For You Page right now. What is the algorithm giving you?

QK: It was some dancing videos this morning, but it changes. A lot of advocacy for Black Lives Matter and minorities, which I think is the most admirable thing. Speaking up for people who society doesn’t give a voice to. CD: From your experience, do you have any advice on how to navigate the internet realm, whether

“It’s almost hard to keep track of it’s as a consumer or as a yourself and your authentic self that content producer, especially now in light of a lot of you are trying to be confident in reckoning that’s been going sometimes when you do what I do.” on in the internet this past?

QK: I am so happy that I break out of so many of the a stereotypes or molds of what it means to be, let’s say, a man, or what it means to be Black, or what it means to be from a certain place. I was pretty much the complete opposite of the stereotype in every aspect and I think I break the mold in more ways than one. This is so random, but I actually used to be really insecure that I listen to predominantly female music artists. I would pretty much only listen to female music, and I found female music very empowering especially female women of color in the industry. People in my town would make fun of me. I was very much an outsider. I just never really fit in and people would be like, “That’s so girly,” and just make fun of me. I used to be really insecure and I would never play my music around anybody, and music is a big part of me. I’ve learned to love the fact that I absolutely adore a bunch of female artists and like predominantly listen to them and I blast their music everywhere I go now and I’m not ashamed of it.

CD: You mentioned how important the advocacy aspect of the social media sphere is to you, is that something that you prioritize in your own platform and what are ways that you do that advocacy work?

QK: I 100% do. I think I didn’t for a while because I was scared. The second I started posting less pictures of myself and more about advocacy, the quicker I lost followers which was really really interesting to me and pretty sad. But I ultimately realized that I don’t want those people to be following me, because that’s not what I stand for anyway. If they can’t be happy consuming that content about advocacy just as much as somebody, say, enjoying a vacation, then I don’t believe that they should be following me in the first place. But I do heavily prioritize advocacy. I think when quarantine hit and everything happened with Brionna Taylor and George Floyd and everything blew up, that’s when I really was like, “Alright I’m making the switch. I’m not going to let fear hold me back from this. I’m going to try to have people consume as much advocacy stuff as I can.” Every time I would see something on an Instagram story, I would repost it onto my story. I started making Tik Toks about it trying to just get people to start talking about the injustices that were happening. Conversation is really the only way that people are going to start changing. It doesn’t matter if it’s uncomfortable, that’s the whole point. Discomfort encourages growth, so I just I think that’s when it really started was quarantine and ever since then I’ve been trying to put out content that’s educational at the same rate as I’m doing music or like modeling and stuff. I try to keep them pretty even.

QK: Consume whatever you want to consume, and consume what makes you feel happy. Consume what makes you feel whole. Don’t follow somebody because you want to compare yourself to them. Don’t follow somebody because you’re looking at them in a jealous or envious way. You should never look at somebody else’s post on your feed and feel bad about yourself. You should be following content you want to consume, content that makes you feel good about yourself. On the opposite end, as far as creators and influencers go, if you’re going down that path, always stay true to yourself. Love yourself. Put your most authentic foot forward 100% of the time and spread love. UGirl 27