Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth S2: #82 - Shayne’s TikTok is a Sewer

Episode Information:

• Title: Smosh Mouth
• Hosts: Shayne Topp (Shayne), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Amanda), and rotating Smosh friends
• Episode: S2: #82 - Shayne’s TikTok is a Sewer
• Release Date: September 30, 2020
• Description: Join Shayne Topp (short), Amanda Lehan-Canto (tall), and a rotating Smosh friend as they discuss their thoughts, internet finds, and quirky ideas.

1. Introduction to Social Media Usage

The episode kicks off with Shayne reflecting on his limited use of social media before joining Smosh. He admits, “I hardly used social media before I joined Smosh. Never used Instagram, I rarely tweeted, and I didn't have a Vine” [00:00]. Courtney (Amanda) contrasts this by highlighting Vine’s transformative role in internet comedy: “Vine changed Internet comedy forever. It walked so the TikTok could run” [00:14].

2. Shayne’s Struggles with TikTok and Gaming Frustrations

Shayne delves into his tumultuous relationship with TikTok, expressing discomfort with the platform's algorithm: “My for you page may not be diagnosing me with anything, but the sheer existence of it is alarming and makes me wonder if something is wrong with me on a very deep level” [00:19]. He shares his intense frustrations with the game Fall Guys, describing how it affects his mood:

“If I do really shitty, I'm starting off my day by being just furious... I get so mad.” [01:44]

Shayne describes his gameplay rut, where increased randomness and difficulty levels have left him feeling overwhelmed and angry, leading him to physically express his frustration by hitting his mattress [02:54].

3. The Evolution from Vine to TikTok

Courtney and Shayne discuss Vine’s legacy and its influence on TikTok. Courtney asserts that Vine laid the groundwork for modern internet comedy and influenced platforms like Instagram and TikTok: “Vine changed Internet comedy forever, changed comedic timing. It walked so that TikTok could run” [06:05]. Shayne counters by comparing TikTok to early YouTube, emphasizing the platform's vast and varied content:

“I get the same vibes of TikTok right now that I did from YouTube in 2008” [17:30]

They explore how Vine accelerated content consumption and shaped who becomes famous online, noting that platforms today like TikTok offer a more diverse and unpredictable array of content creators [17:36].

4. TikTok’s Impact on Mental Health and Self-Image

The conversation shifts to the psychological effects of TikTok usage. Shane highlights the platform's addictiveness and the overwhelming amount of information it feeds users:

“It’s very dangerously addicting” [10:19]

Courtney echoes these sentiments, discussing how prolonged use during quarantine led to feelings of being overwhelmed, emphasizing the need for pacing and mindful consumption [34:55]. Shayne adds insight into the potential for self-diagnosis and misinformation on TikTok, advocating for critical thinking and professional consultation over self-diagnosis [12:58].

5. Authenticity and Content Creation on TikTok

Shayne and Courtney explore the challenges of creating authentic content amidst TikTok’s trends. Shayne expresses his desire to post uniquely weird and chaotic content:

“I'm gonna try to have had posted some weird. At least two or three. Just some weird shit” [24:22]

Courtney discusses her struggles with maintaining authenticity while conforming to popular trends, noting that her attempts often fall flat:

“Stuff doesn't do well and I'm just... I delete them” [25:01]

They emphasize the importance of personal expression over chasing likes, with Shayne advocating for posting content that genuinely reflects their personalities, regardless of its reception [55:27].

6. Navigating TikTok Trends and the For You Page

The duo delves into the intricacies of TikTok’s For You Page (FYP), comparing it to their personal experiences. Shayne describes his FYP as a “cursed hell world,” filled with bizarre and unrelatable content that often confounds him [52:10]. Amanda shares her own overwhelmed feelings, suggesting strategies like unfollowing non-joyful accounts to curate a happier feed [47:22].

Shayne also touches on the platform's algorithmic strength, which constantly presents new and hilarious content from unknown creators, contrasting it with Vine’s limited and repetitive humor [57:20]. Courtney appreciates how TikTok normalizes diverse behaviors and authentic expressions, allowing users to see content that isn’t overly polished or perfect [45:59].

7. Audience Questions on TikTok’s Influence

The hosts address listener questions about TikTok’s impact on younger audiences and the promotion of certain beauty standards. Shayne acknowledges the dual nature of social media, where it encourages self-confidence but also fosters comparison and insecurity:

“...deletes their own content... you get so much stuff... it can really hurt you” [41:34]

Courtney counters by highlighting TikTok's ability to normalize different forms of self-expression, making the platform a space for both relatability and humor without the pressure of perfection [45:59].

8. Final Segment: Shoot Dude Stories

In their signature "Shoot Dude" segment, Shayne and Courtney share embarrassing childhood anecdotes submitted by listeners. Courtney narrates Sarah’s story of a 4-year-old mistakenly declaring her dream to be an exotic dancer during Sunday school, emphasizing how children unknowingly use adult terminology:

“...my mom told me that I should follow my dreams. The lady was very concerned...” [62:42]

Shayne adds his own tales, including awkward moments with his nieces, highlighting the innocence and unintentional humor in children’s statements [63:03].

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the podcast concludes, Shayne motivates listeners to embrace their uniqueness on social media, encouraging bold and unconventional content creation:

“There is nothing more liberating than doing something so weird that everyone's confused” [55:26]

Courtney emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive and personally fulfilling content, advocating for a curated social media experience that promotes happiness over obligation [47:22]. The hosts reiterate their commitment to maintaining authenticity and using their platforms responsibly, balancing fun with meaningful engagement.

Notable Quotes:

• Shayne on TikTok’s impact: “My for you page may not be diagnosing me with anything, but the sheer existence of it is alarming and makes me wonder if something is wrong with me on a very deep level” [00:19]
• Courtney on Vine’s legacy: “Vine changed Internet comedy forever. It walked so that TikTok could run” [00:14]
• Shayne on social media addiction: “It’s very dangerously addicting” [10:19]
• Shayne encouraging authenticity: “There is nothing more liberating than doing something so weird that everyone's confused” [55:26]

Conclusion:

In this episode of Smosh Mouth, Shayne Topp and Courtney Miller engage in a candid discussion about the complexities of social media, particularly TikTok's influence on comedy, mental health, and personal authenticity. Through personal anecdotes, critical insights, and audience interactions, they navigate the balance between embracing digital platforms for creative expression and mitigating their potential negative impacts. The episode underscores the importance of mindful engagement with social media, promoting a healthy and authentic online presence.