Hello, everyone!
Welcome back to Cosette’s Beauty Pantry, where I blend beauty, wellness, true crime stories, and eerie tales into a unique mix of content that’s authentic and thought-provoking. I’m active on X, where I share my opinions and dive into discussions; Instagram, where I follow unique, authentic creators; and YouTube, where I watch essay videos and deep dives on topics that spark my interest. But TikTok? It’s a hard pass. From beauty filters to #SkinnyTok, aesthetic trends, mindless scrolling, and more, here’s why I’m steering clear. Grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s unpack this. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
1. Beauty Filters and Unrealistic Standards
TikTok’s beauty filters—smoothing skin, slimming faces, enhancing features—are everywhere. They might seem playful, but they warp our sense of beauty. I’ve seen creators look flawless with filters, only to reveal their real face, and the contrast is stark. At Cosette’s Beauty Pantry, I’m all about celebrating authentic beauty, not chasing an algorithm’s airbrushed ideal.
These filters can hit mental health hard. A 2023 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology linked frequent exposure to filtered images with increased body dissatisfaction. On Instagram, I follow creators who embrace their real selves, not trends. On YouTube, I watch essay videos that unpack beauty standards with honesty. TikTok’s filtered world just doesn’t fit my vibe.
2. The #SkinnyTok Problem
Then there’s #SkinnyTok, packed with “what I eat in a day” videos, body-checking trends, and extreme dieting tips. As someone passionate about wellness, this content alarms me. It often pushes unhealthy habits as “inspiration,” and it can be triggering for those grappling with body image or disordered eating. A 2024 Eating Disorders Coalition report noted how TikTok’s algorithm amplifies harmful content, especially for young users.
I’ve seen friends get caught up comparing themselves to these curated portrayals. Cosette’s Beauty Pantry is about wellness that uplifts, not chasing a body type for likes. I’d rather watch a YouTube deep dive on nutrition science or holistic skincare than scroll through #SkinnyTok’s toxic messaging.
3. Aesthetic Trends and Creative Conformity
TikTok’s aesthetic trends—like “clean girl,” “coquette,” or “dark academia”—are another issue. These hyper-specific looks dictate makeup, fashion, and lifestyle, creating pressure to conform. While sold as self-expression, they often lead to a homogenised version of creativity that stifles individuality. I’ve seen users feel forced to buy products or adopt styles to fit the latest aesthetic.
At Cosette’s Beauty Pantry, I celebrate individuality, whether I’m sharing beauty tips or spinning true crime and eerie tales. On Instagram, I follow creators who are authentic, not so-called “influencers” chasing trends. On YouTube, I watch videos exploring the roots of beauty trends or cultural phenomena. TikTok’s aesthetic treadmill feels limiting compared to the diverse stories I love.
4. Mindless Scrolling and Brain Rot
TikTok’s algorithm is a time thief, serving an endless stream of 15-second clips that make hours vanish. This mindless scrolling can lead to what X users call “brain rot”—mental fog from low-value content. I crave content that sparks ideas, whether it’s a beauty tip or a chilling true crime story, which is why I stick to X, Instagram, and YouTube.
TikTok’s rapid-fire format prioritises quick hits over substance. On X, I share opinions and join discussions that challenge my thinking. On YouTube, I watch essay videos on beauty, true crime, or other topics that spark my interest. On Instagram, I connect with creators who keep it real. TikTok’s chaotic, bite-sized content doesn’t match my intentional approach.
5. Privacy Worries
Privacy is a huge concern. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, has faced scrutiny for its data collection practices. A 2023 Forbes report flagged how the app tracks everything from your location to your keystrokes, often with murky transparency. Mindful of GDPR standards, I’m not okay with risking my data for viral videos.
X, Instagram, and YouTube aren’t perfect, but they operate under stricter regulations and offer clearer privacy controls. I feel safer engaging in discussions on X or following creators on Instagram and YouTube without worrying about my personal info being harvested.
6. Misinformation and Risky Beauty Hacks
TikTok’s beauty content is a minefield. For every decent tip, there’s a dozen dangerous “hacks”—think DIY chemical peels or using household items as skincare. At Cosette’s Beauty Pantry, I research to ensure my beauty and wellness advice is safe and effective. TikTok’s short-form format often skips nuance, spreading misinformation that can harm your skin or health.
Viral trends like sunscreen contouring or lemon juice toners have been debunked by dermatologists, yet they spread fast. On YouTube, I watch videos from experts who explain why these trends are problematic, often with science to back it up. That’s the kind of content I want to engage with, not TikTok’s sensationalist snippets.
7. It’s Not My Scene
Finally, TikTok just isn’t my vibe. I love sharing my opinions on X, following authentic creators on Instagram, and diving into essay videos on YouTube that explore beauty, true crime, or eerie tales. TikTok’s trend-driven culture feels performative, with creators chasing viral sounds or aesthetics to stay relevant. That’s not what Cosette’s Beauty Pantry is about. On X, I join lively discussions. On Instagram, I connect with creators who are true to themselves. On YouTube, I explore topics with depth.
TikTok’s fleeting trends and aesthetic pressures don’t leave room for the thoughtful, diverse content I love. I’d rather stick to platforms that let me engage with ideas and stories my way.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—my reasons for dodging TikTok. From beauty filters and #SkinnyTok to aesthetic trends, mindless scrolling, privacy concerns, and misinformation, the app doesn’t vibe with my values. I’ll stick to X for sharing opinions and joining discussions, Instagram for following authentic creators, and YouTube for essay videos and deep dives on diverse topics. Cosette’s Beauty Pantry is about authenticity, intention, and storytelling, and I don’t need TikTok to make that magic happen.
What’s your take? Are you hooked on TikTok, or do you share my concerns? Maybe you’re all about YouTube essay videos or X discussions! Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your faves!
Love,
