Senior Living News

What Is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media app that uses only short videos to communicate and engage. The videos are no longer than 15 seconds and can range from quick how-to's to funny clips and motivational content. The platform accommodates both amateur and professional creators, and the styles can vary as far and wide as the topics. While the app was created for entertainment and fun, there's an increasing number of creators putting out educational content.

How Does TikTok Work?

TikTok is an app you download on your smartphone or smart device. You can also create an account and access it through a website browser. While it's possible to watch TikTok videos without registering an account, the app restricts the content to the shared link and for further browsing, you need to create an account.

To download the app on your device, simply visit the app store associated with your operating system, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play.

The download should take under a minute to complete. Once done, open the app and agree to the terms and conditions. It's worth reading through these terms and conditions so you're aware of the app rules. You then choose your interests so the app can curate content according to your likes. When you're done, you simply swipe up and start enjoying the content.

The app allows you to easily share content you like with other friends on the app or through other channels such as social media and chat apps. To post content, you need to create a profile or use an existing one by linking the app to Facebook, Google, X or Instagram.

You need to provide:

• Your date of birth (the app has an age restriction)
• A nickname
• Whether you'd like to add your existing phone contacts to your friend list

You can now start posting. When you post, you can choose whether the video is public or if you want it to remain private.

Manage the Risks of TikTok

While TikTok is filled with entertaining clips and can provide unlimited entertainment, it's important to enjoy it safely.

• Limit your personal information. Whether you're posting content or simply using the app to watch clips, it's important to keep your private information safe. This includes your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, credit card and bank details and where you live. You may also want to make purchases through TikTok, which requires your credit card information. Discuss the options of a virtual card that has a rotating security number with your banker to keep your banking details safe.
• Take care what you post. If you're posting on social media, it's important to know that the information is public, unless you have a private account. It's hard to remove a video that's gone viral, so it's important that you're comfortable sharing what you post and happy with all possible outcomes.
• Use the privacy settings. Limit the information the app has and what others get to see.
• Use a strong password. Access to your TIkTok account by hackers can lead to serious account recovery problems in the future.
• Limit interactions with strangers. Turn off comments on your posts and filter your inbox comments to avoid interactions with social engineers, which are people on the internet with the sole purpose of "scraping," or collecting, personal information.
• Report inappropriate content. Whether it's investment baiting or content that violates the community guidelines, in order to keep TikTok safe for all users, it's important to report content that pushes these boundaries.
• Limit your time on social media. TikTok allows you to put a daily screen time limit — which is automatic for teens — so you can manage how much time you spend on the app. By limiting your time on the app to an hour a day, you can improve your sleep and overall well-being. Try to switch off all devices at least an hour before bedtime.

Following and Engagement

TikTok offers a great platform for seniors to connect with their peers in a healthy way. You can create communities on the app where you share your common interests and goals. Accounts that seniors might find helpful include:

• Tai Chi for seniors
• Senior Living
• Social engagement by following granfluencers such as grandma_droniak and old man steve

You can control who you interact with on the app too. There's an option to report spam or bullying comments, and when you post your own videos, you can limit comments to ensure your TikTok experience is a good one.

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