When I first downloaded Douyin(Chinese Version TikTok), I used it differently than I do now. I remember recording a short video at home—nothing fancy, just me lip-syncing to a song. I even added a silly filter. I posted it, waited to see if anyone would comment or like it. And someone did. That small moment actually made me want to post more.
Back then, I wasn’t just watching—I was participating. I followed people, joined hashtag challenges, left comments. Douyin felt like a place where I was part of something, even if it was just for fun.
Now? I just open the app and scroll. I don’t post anything. I don’t comment. I barely even like things. The app just shows me what it thinks I’ll enjoy, and most of the time, it’s right. I can spend 1 hour without touching anything but my thumb.
That’s a big difference from Web 2.0. Before, apps and websites needed to give people tools to create, share, and talk to others. Now, interaction design is more about making the experience smooth and effortless.
I think Douyin is a perfect example of how we’ve moved from doing things online to just watching things happen. And honestly, sometimes I miss being part of it.