Social Sesh: TikTok Shop — Yay or Nay?

Let me preface this post by letting you know something significant: I love hoodies. Some may call it an obsession. I look at it more as an appropriate amount of respect for an article of clothing that can give you a super cozy, upper-body hug. Last week, I received an unexpected package in the mail, and inside was an oversized hoodie with a miniature cow on it. Yes, I also love miniature cows. My boyfriend surprised me and bought it when he saw it on TikTok Shop. (I haven’t taken the hoodie off since then by the way.)

The Rise of TikTok Shop

Unless you’ve somehow been spared, TikTok Shop has been flooding your FYP (For You Page) since its full launch in September 2023. It has made its presence known, and for many, it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers a unique opportunity for content creators and influencers to make money doing what they love. On the other hand, it feels like every other scroll is an ad, which takes away from the joy of the app.

I can’t deny that TikTok Shop has its merits. Specifically, I am talking about the miniature cow hoodie I’m wearing on a daily basis, but I have also fallen victim to purchasing a chip bag sealer and a car freshener — I’m a risk-taker, okay? Neither were praise-worthy products, but TikTok Shop is an excellent resource for hearing real reviews from real…