TikTok Memes
The “knockoff” Vine is what many call one of the most popular social media platforms, TikTok. The app was released in 2017 to the United States and other countries. TikTok didn’t become popular until fellow short video app, Musical.ly got shut down in mid-2018 and TikTok bought the rights. Many Musical.ly users kept their dancing and lip-syncing trends going on the app TikTok but starting near the beginning of 2019 people began to create meme-like videos similar to those that were on Vine.
Since its rebranding last summer, TikTok reinvented how we produce and consume memes this past year. While some use the video app to document daily life, cool art, or raw comedy, memes and challenges are the big draw. These videos are often funny and relatable; while only one type of video on the app, it is one of the most frequently made and consumed content. TikTok’s collaborative format also ensures that once a challenge starts circulating, it will quickly evolve and have many taking their own unique spin on it.
These memes seep into everybody’s daily life from acting like a VSCO girl to reciting the “This is for Rachel” voicemail, defining what is teenage culture today. Teenagers from all across the world are able to unite and laugh over simple short videos made in someone’s bedroom.
BOUCHRA ELGAOU, CTE
Q: What’s your job title?
A: I’m a business and finance teacher at Wakefield High School
Q: How did you get into teaching?
A: I always was passionate about teaching, but it never made sense to do it because back home; I grew up in Morocco and teachers don’t get paid as much there. So, I went into business because it made more sense financially. So I never got to do something that I love until now.
Q: What’s your educational background?
A: I have a masters in business administration.
Q: What school did you go to?
A: East Carolina University
Q: What impact do you hope to make on your students?
A: Before this, I was a business owner as well, I do hope that they learn something from the experience that they have.
Q: I know you said you were passionate about teaching, but what would you be if you weren’t a teacher?
A: Before I became a teacher I was an accountant then a business manager, but I feel like teaching is my passion.
Q: What do you like to do outside of school?
A: Spend time with my family. Both of my daughters play soccer, and I like to watch their games.