In the new viral digital age, almost everything is no longer private. From numerous think-pieces to controversies and debates, regarding any topic known to man, exist. Although this has created space for open speech and educational experiences, there is another side to the reality of anyone’s personal business under the criticism of public scrutiny. You can either evolve this platform or casually operate as normal with neutral interest. Going ‘viral’ has always been a concept that many were fascinated with or not interested in. However, other times, it just naturally happens. Regardless, the pressures of ‘going viral’ are often overlooked despite a few of its potential benefits.
The rise of storytimes on social media has completely taken over platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and more, allowing creators to openly express themselves regardless of their anecdotes. Oftentimes, creators can positively connect with their platform and make an impactful difference by allowing the world into their experiences. Also, this could allow users to react positively with laughter, inspiration, motivation, etc., influenced by any genre of storytimes. Although these are the potential benefits, there is a level of stress that can negatively impact any creator’s personal health or relationships, which can result in the question: is this even worth it?
Iteya Beasley, a TikTok content creator, believes that her platform is an opportunity for others to not feel lonely throughout their experiences. She prides herself on family and nurturing the environment around her, sharing her reality with her husband and son. “I do believe sharing the personal stories that I have posted is important,” Beasley stated. “In this world, we often feel alone in things we experience in life,” she says. ”Telling these stories could possibly make others feel less alone in their journeys or hard times.”
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Although she acknowledges the benefits of sharing personal experiences on her platform, which can unite the community, she expresses the importance of having tough skin when dealing with people on the internet. “I’m gonna be honest, it’s very, very hard. I feel like you have to have a different type of resilience to put your life out there for everyone to see and have their own opinions on,” she says. “I think the main thing to remember is that not everyone is going to like or agree with what you post or talk about, and that’s okay. There isn’t a person in this world that EVERYONE likes,” she said.
Kearney Parnell, TikTok content creator, and Mental Health Professional attributes the stress of her recent virality to managing all her different ventures. After she created a viral TikTok that showcased her being single and dating whoever of her choice, many users immediately sparked a debate regarding Gen Z dating. “I’ve only felt stress from trying to do too much at once. I’m trying to grow my following and leverage this moment while I can,” Parnell says. “I have a lot of content and business ideas that I want to get out into the world while I have everyone’s attention. I can’t do it all at once, and it’s frustrating,” she says.
Parnell is able to differentiate the internet from reality, which is where she finds her peace of mind. She doesn’t like the outside noise impacting her negatively, but this does make her protective of her family, who want to come to her defense regarding any disrespect or criticism. “My personal relationships have not changed since the video went viral, but my family and friends were upset by some of the comments and reactions that people have made,” Parnell says. “They love me so they’re protective of me and want to defend me. I had to tell them to take a step back and not engage in it. I don’t want the negativity to affect them because I’m not letting it affect me,” she says.
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Beasley discussed the importance of balance throughout her content as she showcased the personal, intimate spaces within her family. Although her platform continuously grows, she is always conscious of how close she wants the internet to get. However, she believes that a positive community is essential for maintaining a platform as a creator.
“As a content creator, it can get hard to try and manage coming up with new content all the time. My page doesn’t really have a niche, but people love it when I post my son,” she says. “Most of his videos go viral. However, I don’t want to constantly have a phone in his face either, so I try to find balance and incorporate a GRWM, vlog, or review that catches my targeted audience similarly. It’s challenging, but I think engaging with my followers and maintaining those online relationships by responding to comments and things like that definitely helps. If you are more interactive with the people supporting you it can help foster a sense of community,” she discussed.
Overall, storytimes have a variety of purposes that can either positively or negatively impact communities. The internet will never be a safe space, but as storytime continues to rise there must be methods to deal with the impact of virality. Parnell believes that it’s crucial for creators to understand how sharing your trauma or experiences throughout storytimes can truly impact a creator if they’re not ready for what can come with the success.
“I think social media is a space for entertainment and connection. People having “story times” does both. It entertains people while connecting with them. I think society is heading where everyone wants to be a content creator,” she says. “So we’re going to see many more story times and situations like this. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it as long as people know the aftermath. You’re putting yourself in a vulnerable position and opening yourself up to criticism. It can be detrimental to your mental health if you don’t know how to handle it. That’s the only part that concerns me.”