Why Tik Tok is the unlikely antidote for coronavirus panic

By Edaein OConnell
12th Mar 2020

Why Tik Tok is the unlikely antidote for coronavirus panic

In need of some laughter in the midst of the current crisis? Tik Tok might be able to help

My head officially exploded at half 11 yesterday when Leo Varadkar made the announcement that the country would be going into lockdown.

I didn’t expect the swell of anxiety that would come with the news. It seems everything is falling apart. There is no pasta left in Tesco, not a roll of toilet paper to be found and swirling rumours of a recession. All I hear is coronavirus, death, Cheltenham, Ryanair, Italy, death and someone complaining on Liveline.

We are living in extraordinary times. Twitter is a cesspit of nerves, rumours, anger and a legion of armchair coronavirus experts. Nobody in the world – not even the traditional experts – is an expert. How could we be? We have never seen the virus before, like a child learning to walk we are all fumbling around hoping that someone catches us when we fall.

Through these uneasy times, we must find solace and light wherever we can.

For me, this comfort has been found on Tik Tok.

Tik Tok is the social media sensation which is adored by anyone under the age of 23. Yes, it’s filled with synchronised dances and weird miming montages, but within its walls lies some of the funniest videos you will ever see on the internet.

Emotional antidote

Before today coronavirus was an annoyance. While everyone panicked around me I couldn’t decipher why it was affecting me differently. Then I realised my addiction to watching Tik Tok videos had desensitised me.

Teenagers and those in their early twenties aren’t worried about coronavirus. This ignorance means they can humourise the situation easily and without guilt. Their videos are both a homage and a critique of the virus which has been officially called a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.

Whether it be about the audacity of the virus to try and take Tom Hanks or how ridiculously cheap flights are right now, the kids are onto something.

I am in no way trying to dampen the severity of the virus but Tik Tok has made me feel less scared of the unknown. For 15 minutes every evening, I feel nothing but joy as I see the next generation find humour in the worst global circumstances we have experienced in living memory.

I think Tik Tok may be the antidote we need to beat coronavirus.

Well, an emotional antidote at least.

Here are some of the funniest videos on the app right now to take your mind off the crisis.

Even if only for a few seconds.

It’s Corona Time

I promise you, this song will never leave your head.

@playboierik21 ##facezoom ##carona ##corona ##corona ##coronavirus ##chinavirus ##china ##chinesevirus ##simp ##liluzivert ##xyzbca ##xyzcba ##duet ##thebois ##fyp ##foryou ? Its Corona time – playboierik21

PROTECT TOM HANKS

I think we can all agree.

@wolfkid6969someone show this to corona? original sound – wolfkid6969

Say no to Coronavirus now

If only this were true.

@sam.schmir? Reminder! Just say “no”. ##coronavirus ##fyp ##foryou ##PlayWithLife ##standupforyourself ##knowyourrights ##no ? original sound – sam.schmir