TikTok has redefined what’s trendy and culturally relevant in a short time, especially in the U.S. With over 150 million active users in the country, it’s not just a social media app but a powerful force in shaping opinions, interests, and even spending habits. Known for its short, highly engaging videos, TikTok has developed into a unique hub for everything from dance challenges and beauty hacks to social justice movements and niche communities. Through the PAS (Problem-Agitate-Solution) framework, let’s break down how TikTok trends are actively transforming U.S. culture.
Problem:Traditional Media Struggles to Keep Up
Traditional media platforms, including TV networks, print media, and even some online news outlets, have long dictated trends and set standards for American culture. However, with shorter attention spans and a growing hunger for instant, engaging content, the relevance of traditional media is declining. TikTok’s user-friendly platform and viral, bite-sized videos are giving people what they crave—content that’s fast, visually appealing, and driven by user participation.
For instance, Forbes reports that TikTok has a higher engagement rate than Instagram and Twitter combined. This indicates that people are not just passively consuming content on TikTok; they’re actively engaging with it and resharing it, which accelerates its impact on culture.
Agitate: The Power Shift to a New Generation of Influencers
The rise of TikTok has created a new generation of influencers, often younger and more diverse, who possess enormous sway over public opinion and pop culture. Traditional media no longer holds the monopoly over the messages that reach audiences. Instead, young creators—some as young as 16—are the new voices shaping everything from fashion to social issues.
TikTok’s algorithm amplifies user-generated content based on engagement rather than a predetermined set of standards. That’s why 20-year-old Addison Rae, who shares dance videos and everyday lifestyle content, has become one of the most-followed people on the platform, earning millions of dollars and even appearing in a Netflix movie. A recent study by Morning Consult found that 52% of Gen Z prefers social media platforms like TikTok to mainstream news outlets, with 30% relying on TikTok for news. The platform's influence isn't limited to individual personalities either; it has ripple effects across multiple aspects of American society.
Solution: How TikTok Trends Are Actively Shaping U.S. Culture
Let's break down some of the major ways TikTok trends are making waves in U.S. culture:
1. Redefining Beauty Standards and Personal Style
The Problem: Beauty and fashion industries have long pushed rigid standards that only a few people could meet.
How TikTok Is Changing This: TikTok encourages users to express themselves authentically, resulting in a massive shift in beauty norms. “Skin positivity” and “body neutrality” movements are just two of the trends that promote more inclusive, realistic representations of beauty. Unlike traditional media, where models and celebrities dictate beauty standards, TikTok has empowered everyday people to define beauty on their own terms.
Creators like Mikayla Nogueira, a beauty influencer who openly discusses her struggles with acne and body image, have amassed millions of followers by being relatable and authentic. The #SkinPositivity hashtag alone has garnered over 3 billion views, showing a clear cultural shift away from perfectionism toward acceptance.
2. Mental Health and Self-Care Are No Longer Taboo
The Problem: For decades, mental health was a subject people hesitated to talk about openly.
How TikTok Is Changing This: On TikTok, conversations around mental health are now open and accessible. Psychologists, therapists, and mental health advocates use TikTok to destigmatize mental health discussions, sharing tips on managing anxiety, understanding depression, and practicing self-care.
TikTok has made phrases like “self-care” and “mental health day” mainstream. The hashtag #MentalHealth has over 30 billion views, and organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) are using the platform to provide valuable resources. As a result, TikTok is normalizing therapy, with many users sharing their journeys openly, inspiring others to prioritize their mental well-being.
3. Making Learning Cool Again: #LearnOnTikTok
The Problem: Traditional education systems often struggle to engage students, and learning has often been viewed as tedious.
How TikTok Is Changing This: With the #LearnOnTikTok hashtag, which has received billions of views, TikTok has successfully turned education into an engaging experience. The platform now partners with educational institutions, nonprofits, and influencers to provide bite-sized lessons on everything from history and science to financial literacy and cooking.
Creators like Hank Green, a science educator, break down complex concepts into easy-to-digest, visually compelling videos that capture viewers’ attention. TikTok’s educational content not only makes learning accessible but also aligns with shorter attention spans by keeping it quick, fun, and relatable.
4. Food Trends and Viral Recipes Reshaping American Eating Habits
The Problem: Traditional recipe blogs and cooking shows didn’t always resonate with younger audiences, who seek quick, visually appealing content.
How TikTok Is Changing This: From whipped coffee to feta pasta, TikTok has redefined how Americans approach food. Food creators on the platform showcase innovative recipes and cooking hacks in under a minute, making them easy to replicate. The #FoodTok hashtag has over 65 billion views, and the viral nature of these recipes often leads to national shortages of certain ingredients.
In one instance, the popularity of baked feta pasta led to a feta cheese shortage in stores across the U.S. in 2021. TikTok's influence over food culture is undeniable, as restaurants now create menu items inspired by TikTok trends, while major food brands collaborate with influencers to promote their products.
5. Social Justice Movements and Activism
The Problem: While social justice movements have been around for decades, they often struggled to reach large audiences quickly.
How TikTok Is Changing This: TikTok has provided a powerful platform for social justice advocacy, spreading awareness faster than any traditional medium. Movements like Black Lives Matter (#BLM) and climate activism have gained unprecedented momentum on TikTok, with millions of users engaging, sharing, and amplifying these messages.
For example, during the George Floyd protests, TikTok played a crucial role in mobilizing people, sharing real-time footage, and educating the public about systemic racism. Activists use TikTok not only to organize but also to educate; creators break down complex social issues into engaging, digestible content that resonates with younger audiences.
6. Business and Entrepreneurship Are More Accessible
The Problem: Starting a business and reaching potential customers used to require significant resources and investment.
How TikTok Is Changing This: TikTok has leveled the playing field, making it easier for small business owners and entrepreneurs to find customers and promote their brands. Many small businesses have found success through TikTok by using viral marketing and participating in trending challenges.
An example is the viral “TikTok Made Me Buy It” trend, where users showcase products they discovered on the app. This trend has helped small businesses boost sales overnight, and the hashtag itself has billions of views. TikTok has also introduced features like the “Shop” tab, making it easier for users to discover and purchase products without leaving the app.
7. Reimagining Work-Life Balance and Hustle Culture
The Problem: Traditional hustle culture glorifies overworking and has often led to burnout and mental health issues.
How TikTok Is Changing This: On TikTok, creators promote a balanced approach to work and life. The #AntiHustle and #QuietQuitting trends have started conversations around the importance of mental health, boundaries, and finding meaning beyond work. These trends emphasize that burnout isn’t something to be proud of, challenging traditional work norms that promote constant productivity.
The popularity of these trends indicates a cultural shift among younger generations in how they approach work. This trend is particularly popular among Gen Z and Millennials, who prioritize well-being over grinding endlessly for financial success.
8. New Forms of Entertainment and Media Consumption
The Problem: Traditional media formats don’t always align with current viewing habits, where people prefer quick and engaging content.
How TikTok Is Changing This: TikTok has changed how Americans consume media. Short, fast-paced content is now the standard, with the 15-second, 30-second, and 1-minute videos reshaping entertainment norms. Traditional shows, movies, and even music have been affected by this shift, as people seek more bite-sized content.
Music trends, for example, are heavily influenced by TikTok, where catchy snippets of songs can go viral and significantly impact an artist's success. Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” went viral on TikTok before becoming a record-breaking hit, proving how the platform shapes music consumption.
9. Bringing Back Community and Connection
The Problem: Social media platforms have often been criticized for creating a sense of disconnection among users.
How TikTok Is Changing This: Unlike other platforms, TikTok encourages user collaboration and community building. Trends like “Duets” and “Challenges” create shared experiences where users can connect and interact with one another in unique ways. Many users report that TikTok feels more community-driven, where shared interests and collaborative efforts make it feel less isolating.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, TikTok challenges and trends helped people feel connected even when physical interaction was limited. The "Stay at Home" and "Quarantine Life" trends are examples of how TikTok allowed users to share their experiences and stay socially engaged.
Conclusion
TikTok is far from just an app for dance trends and lip-sync videos; it's a cultural powerhouse that is reshaping norms and influencing how Americans live, think, and interact. The impact is widespread, from beauty standards.
