Sorry, TikTok Isn’t Available | Milk and Melts Monday 1/20

Hey Girlfriend,

So, let’s talk about Saturday. TikTok went poof, and for a whole 12 hours, many of us felt like we’d lost our lifeline. No scrolling, no laughing at silly skits, no calming cooking videos, and no satisfying ASMR to get us through the day. For real, it felt like the internet equivalent of someone cutting the Wi-Fi in the middle of your favorite movie. If you’re anything like me, you probably felt a mix of emotions, confusion, frustration, and even a little sadness. And yeah, I’ll admit it, I felt naked without it.

But here’s the thing, moments like these force us to pause and reflect. TikTok has become more than just a platform, it’s our go-to for entertainment, relaxation, and connection. And when it was gone, a lot of us were left wondering, “Okay, now what?”

Let’s unpack this together.

Why TikTok Feels Like Home

TikTok isn’t just an app, it’s a space where we find ourselves. It’s where we laugh until we cry at hilarious trends, learn new skills (hello, viral recipes!), and discover creators who remind us that we’re not alone yes, you are not the only one that had that thought. Whether you’re watching someone narrate their chaotic day or scrolling through the hilarious cat videos, TikTok feels like that comfy blanket you wrap yourself in after a long day.

For many of us, it’s also a form of self-care. Life can be heavy, and sometimes a little mindless scrolling is just what we need to unwind. So when the app was suddenly "unavailable", it hit hard because it disrupted that little slice of peace we rely on.

When TikTok Went Dark, The Emotions Were Real

When something that’s part of your routine is suddenly gone, it’s jarring. You might’ve felt:

• Frustrated “Why can’t I scroll?!”
• Disconnected TikTok is where we feel connected to trends, news, and community. Without it, it felt like we were missing out.
• Uncertain “Is this real? Let me open the App again”
• Restless: Without the quick dopamine hits of TikTok, we were left to face the quiet.

And, it’s okay to feel some type of way about it. You’re not “too attached” or “overreacting”, We’re human.

How We Found Other Ways to Cope

For those 12 hours, we all had to figure out what to do with ourselves. Some of us turned to Instagram, while others scrolled Twitter to find out what was going on with TikTok. Maybe you picked up a book, binged a Netflix series, or just sat with the quiet (whether you liked it or not). Or like me, got some work done without the intermittence scrolling.

Here are a few things that might’ve happened during the ban

• You discovered a new way to entertain yourself.
• You reconnected with an old hobby (even if it was just for a few hours).
• You realized how much time you actually spend on TikTok.
• You leaned into other forms of self-care—taking a nap, journaling, or spending time outside.

Moving Forward, Can We Balance the Scroll?

I'm not going to lie, Saturday gave us a chance to reflect on how much TikTok (or any app) is woven into our daily lives. And while it’s perfectly okay to enjoy the escape it provides, it’s also a reminder to not rely on it entirely for our downtime or self-care.

Here’s how we can find balance:

• Explore Offline Joy Keep a list of non-digital things you love—reading, painting, cooking, or taking a walk.
  
• Set Boundaries Enjoy TikTok, but maybe set limits so you’re not scrolling into the wee hours.
• Connect IRL Call a friend, have a real conversation, or meet up for coffee.
• Unplug When Needed The ban wasn’t ideal, but it was a reminder that we can survive and even thrive without constant scrolling.
• Check Out Our Past Blogs We have tons of ideas on selfcare to help you find other outlets for self.

My Thoughts During the Ban

Girlfriend, I felt stripped of something important. For me, TikTok isn’t just a time-filler; it’s a comfort zone. But as I sat with the moment, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I’d been leaning on it a little too much. It forced me to take a breather, reconnect with myself, and get some uninterrupted work done.

Now, I’m not saying I’m ditching TikTok (never that), but I am challenging myself to be more mindful about how I use it and how I spend my time when and if it’s not there.

The People Who Brighten Our Feeds

One of the best parts of TikTok is the PEOPLE!!!. Think about it, the app has introduced us to creators who feel like family. They’ve made us laugh on tough days, taught us new skills, or simply reminded us that we’re not alone.

• The relatable queens These are the creators who share their real, unfiltered selves, the good, the bad, and the hilarious.
• The educators From Black history lessons to obtaining the best sidehussles, TikTok has given us a front-row seat to knowledge.
• The entertainers Whether it’s dance challenges or comedic genius, some creators just know how to brighten our day.
• The motivational speakers The ones who remind us to drink water, mind our business, and remember we’re that girl.

When TikTok went dark, it wasn’t just the app we missed, it was the people. It was the lives we tune into while cooking dinner, the creators who make us laugh until we cry, and the ones who feel like our IRL and online besties.

Let’s Chat

How did you feel during the ban? Did it push you to try something new or reconnect with a forgotten hobby? Or were you just mad and venting the whole time on Facebook (no judgment there, either)? Let’s talk about it in the comments, I want to hear how you coped and what you learned. Annnd share some of your favorite Tiktok Creators, I love watching new content!!

Until next time, take care of you, and don’t forget to scroll mindfully.

XOXO,