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TikTok Subcultures: Dance Challenges & Children’s Mental Health

by Ayanah Dowdye, Contributing Author


 

Introduction


TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create, share, and discover short-form videos, often set to music, with a focus on creativity and viral trends. Teens are highly drawn to TikTok dance challenges, where they enthusiastically participate in and share choreographed routines, fostering a sense of community and creative expression among peers. By sharing their posts with a (#), their media can be viewed among many others who are either participating in the trend or merely appreciating the different creative approaches to said trend; showcasing their individual take on the different dance challenges. Parents, and families as a whole, are increasingly joining together to create TikTok dance content; turning the platform into a fun and collaborative way to bond, express creativity, and engage in shared activities across generations.


Relevant Videos


1. Families Dancing Together: click here

2. Specific Dance Challenge: click here

3. Video on Benefits of Dance overall: click here

4. Health Benefits of Dance: click here


How to Talk to Kids About it


  1. Approach with curiosity: ask your kids about which dance challenges are trending, as new challenges come out often


  2. Share your own stories: It is likely that parents have participated in their own dance challenges growing up - share more about what dances were popular for you to find some common ground


  3. Dance together: take part in your child’s favorite dance routines or teach them your favorite dance. You never know if you become the person who creates the next dance trend.


Pros and Cons


Pros:

1. Engaging in creative expression allows individuals to showcase their

unique talents and ideas, fostering a sense of personal fulfillment.


2. Community bonding is strengthened as people come together, share

experiences, and support one another through mutual interests.


Cons:

1. Increased screen time can lead to negative effects on physical health,

such as eye strain and reduced physical activity.


2. The comparison trap arises when individuals constantly compare

themselves to others on social media, leading to feelings of

inadequacy.


3. Loss of privacy becomes a concern as more personal information is

shared online, potentially leading to breaches in confidentiality or

security risks.



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