Honestly, I feel ashamed when I tell fellow Christians I use TikTok and enjoy it. I fear that my brothers and sisters in Christ will judge me for enjoying TikTok even if I am attempting to do so in a God-glorifying way. But the shame I feel is not guilt from participating in something inherently sinful. Rather, it is the fear of man.
Here’s where I am coming from: I am 25 years old, and I am the Marketing Coordinator at Rooted Ministry. During my time with Rooted, I also served in the student ministry at Grace Bible Church of Oxford, Mississippi. My career has had two recurring themes: youth ministry and social media. Often, I ask myself, “how do ministry and social media relate to each other? Can they co-exist?”
We know we are not to be conformed to this world (Rom 12:2). And yes, social media can be ground zero for comparison, idolatry, and distraction. However, social media is not inherently evil and can avail the mission of the Church. But before we can lean into the positives of TikTok, we must first address the negatives.
Inappropriate content and cyberbullying are real dangers.
It comes as no surprise that TikTok is full of inappropriate content and cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is a real threat because unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur 24/7, with no physical restraints. Cyberbullying is often anonymous, which may lead the bully to believe there are no repercussions for vile remarks and cruelty.
TikTok has the power to influence subjective belief.
Since its inception, Tik Tok has been influencing its users’ values and beliefs. Teenagers are especially susceptible to this, frankly, because their frontal lobes are not fully developed. As children believe in fairytales, teenagers tend to be easily persuaded by what they see on the internet. This is especially true given that arguments on TikTok are presented in succinct video clips which fit within the modern attention span. The stripped-down nature of the arguments also makes them incredibly persuasive. Given that we live in a fallen world and post-Christian society, an overwhelming number of arguments on this app are opposed to Christianity. Therefore, TikTok can guide teenagers to compelling secular and anti-religious views.
Privacy concerns are real.
There is a real concern about TikTok’s privacy clauses, especially the personal information that the company collects on its users and who might have access to that data. As Christians, we need to be aware of what is happening in our social media and evaluate if it aligns with Christian doctrines, even when it comes to privacy. We are also called to follow the governing authority ruling over us to the best of our ability (Romans 13: 1-2). In other words, when our government is concerned about the safety of its citizens on a social media platform, maybe we as Christian citizens should be, too. And if we are banned from using the app for a time, maybe it’s for the best.
TikTok is addictive by design.
TikTok has such high engagement rates for a reason. The platform can be addicting. The feed is perfectly curated for each particular user’s interests, and the content seems infinite. Short videos capture attention and hold it. Additionally, the inside jokes, jargon, and latest celebrity gossip of the day circulates on TikTok, leading to teenagers feeling like they have to keep up with the trends. Lastly, even considering some of the positives we will discuss, a negative can still result: your teenager may want to be on their phone all day even if they are consuming wholesome content.
All this begs the question: what positives can come from TikTok?
There are Christians on TikTok.
Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok has no religious content restrictions. As a result, Christians have claimed a special nook within the app. “Christian Tok” is full of influencers, businesses, and churches that proclaim the gospel. The app is a place where churches and other ministries can promote activities and service times to reach a broader audience.
Communities are also built through TikTok. Christians can find unlikely friends, bridging the geographical gaps that for most of human history have divided us. Teenagers especially look to TikTok to find friends when their worlds feel small. And if teenagers are looking for like-minded Christians on social media, the TikTok algorithm is more likely to lead them there than other content-restricted platforms.
The reality is this: the Lord can use TikTok for the goodness of the kingdom. Many influencers share their faith on the platform and inspire others to do the same. The message of the gospel can carry around the world with a 60 second video at our fingertips. These faithful influencers have the unique ability to speak to millions.
The Lord is sovereign over TikTok.
While social media can put a spotlight on your teenager’s struggles (or your struggles, for that matter), it is not the root of the problem we face. The truth is, this world is a broken place. (Romans 5:12-14; Psalm 14:2-3). TikTok is just a display of that decay—it is an app full of sinners. Our hope is not in “getting it right” in deciding whether to allow your teenager to use TikTok and protect them from failures; our hope is a return of our true Savior who will fix all failures (Rom 5:15-17). The Lord will make all things new and wipe all our tears (Rev. 21:4-5). As we long for his return, we find hope only in the resurrection, knowing that the Lord our God cares for our children in a more loving and effective way than we possibly can.
What fruit do you see in your teenager’s use of TikTok?
This may be the most important question to inform your decision about whether your teenager should use the app. Maybe TikTok use is just not good for your teenager. We are not all equally susceptible to the same temptations.
Even if you find no harm in your teenager’s use of TikTok, proceed with caution and oversight. Proverbs 4:23-24 says “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.”. If we allow our teenagers to use TikTok, we must be protective about what we allow them to view and post. We are to guard their hearts from both the outside influences which seek to pervade them and discourage our teenagers from taking part in the darkness.
Parents, you do not have to be scared of social media or TikTok, nor do you have to fear making the perfect decisions for your teenagers. God, who loves your children and knows their names, is sovereign over it all. (Isa. 43:1-3).
For gospel-centered parenting resources, check out the Rooted Parent Podcast!
