TikTok Is About Discovery and Visibility
TikTok is built around discovery.
Videos are shown not only to friends, but to people you don’t know, based on interests, trends, and engagement.
This is what makes TikTok creative and dynamic —
and also what makes awareness especially important.
Cyber awareness helps you enjoy TikTok while understanding how visibility, interaction, and security work on the platform.
How TikTok Is Commonly Used
Most people use TikTok to:
watch short videos
learn new things quickly
follow trends and challenges
create and share content
interact through comments and messages
Because content spreads fast, even small actions can reach a large audience.
Real Situations Young People Encounter
Scenario 1: A Video Reaches More People Than Expected
A student posts a video just for fun.
It starts appearing on other people’s feeds.
Comments come from users they don’t know.
Nothing bad happened —
but the audience is much bigger than expected.
Scenario 2: Participating in Trends Without Thinking About Context
A trend looks harmless and popular.
The student joins in without fully understanding it.
Later, they realize the video doesn’t reflect how they want to be seen.
Trends move fast — awareness helps you pause before joining.
Scenario 3: Comments and Reactions Escalate
A comment section becomes intense.
Messages go back and forth.
What started as entertainment turns stressful.
TikTok interactions can grow quickly.
Understanding Privacy on TikTok
TikTok offers privacy controls that many users never review.
Important settings include:
public or private account
who can comment on your videos
who can duet or stitch your content
who can send direct messages
who can mention or tag you
Adjusting these settings helps you control how visible and interactive your account is.
Account Security on TikTok
TikTok accounts can be targeted like any other account.
Protecting access is important, especially because accounts are highly visible.
Key security steps include:
using a strong, unique password
enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
reviewing login activity
keeping recovery email and phone updated
Security supports creative freedom.
Understanding MFA on TikTok
MFA adds an extra verification step when logging in.
Even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your account without the second confirmation.
Enabling MFA reduces the risk of account takeovers.
Direct Messages and Interactions
TikTok allows private messaging.
Be mindful when:
responding to unknown users
clicking links sent in messages
sharing personal information
If something feels uncomfortable, it’s okay to pause, block, report, or ask for help.
Creating Content With Intention
Before posting, it helps to ask:
Who is this for?
Am I comfortable with a wide audience?
Does this reflect my values?
Could this be misunderstood?
Is this something I want associated with my name?
Intentional posting builds confidence.
When TikTok Feels Overwhelming
If TikTok starts to feel stressful:
adjust screen time settings
limit notifications
take breaks
talk to someone you trust
Healthy use includes knowing when to step away.
Why This Matters
TikTok is often a first place where content spreads widely.
Your activity there can influence:
how others perceive you
your comfort online
your digital reputation
future opportunities
Cyber awareness helps you stay in control of your presence.
How This Makes You a Cyber Hero
A cyber hero understands visibility and impact.
By using TikTok consciously:
you protect your privacy
secure your account
reduce unnecessary stress
build healthy digital habits
Awareness turns creativity into confidence.
Daniel Porta
Cybersecurity Professional | CISO
Founder, Be a Cyber Hero Initiative