Chapter 11: Trapped in TikTok’s Endless Scroll

I’m not even going to lie, I’m addicted to TikTok. It’s like a bottomless pit of entertainment that I can’t get enough of, from funny pet videos and wild dance challenges to random life hacks I didn’t even know I needed. TikTok is so good at hooking you that it’s become part of my daily routine. It’s quick, it’s fun and the algorithm knows what I want to see.

The ads throw me off every time and always catch me off guard. Just as I’m deep in a scroll session, laughing at something hilarious or completely absorbed in a story, an ad appears out of nowhere. I get that they need to make money somehow, but the interruption can be super annoying. When something unrelated to anything I care about, I try to scroll out of it. However, some ads on TikTok are creative. When brands go all-in with humor or follow a trending style, I find myself watching all the way through, even if it’s an ad. Those fit in with the vibe of the app instead of feeling forced.

Then, there are the influencers who have pretty much taken over the app. TikTok has given rise to a whole new generation of stars, some with millions of followers who hang on their every video. And they’re not just the typical influencers, there’s literally someone for every niche. From artists and chefs to DIY and fitness enthusiasts, these people are changing the game. It’s almost like watching a friend recommend something, which honestly makes the ads feel more natural. While some of these sponsored posts are obviously ads, others blend products into their videos so well that you barely even notice.

As much as the ads can drive me crazy, TikTok’s got it figured out when it comes to keeping people like me scrolling and entertained. The mix of regular users, influencers and clever ad content makes it hard to put down. Even with all the interruptions, I’ll keep coming back because there’s nowhere else quite like it.