When it comes to the app TikTok, adults may scratch their heads in confusion, willingly giving up on understanding this platform. Someone who doesn’t quite understand the self deprecating humor of Gen-Z or spastic looking dance moves may have trouble using the app, but anyone would have trouble understanding why a group of TikTok “influencers” chose to embark on a “meet and greet tour” across America. 

On TikTok, one can find a variety of videos, ranging from comedy to beauty, pets to pranks, cosplay and dancing to purely random content. The influencers on the “Lights Out Tour,” as it has been called, did not fall into any of these categories. Many of them were teen boys who rose to fame for being good looking, namely Chase Hudson, Anthony Reeves, Jaden Hossler. These names attract millions of followers on TikTok for in fact being physically attractive and lip syncing to songs (TikTok’s original purpose). 

From June to July, the tour visited 12 cities across America. The stars stopped at venues where they met and interacted with fans, while also “performing” on stage. The meet and greets received inevitable backlash, as many wondered why anyone would want to meet these people. Even more interesting, however, were the videos posted of girls hugging the stars. The hugs appeared to be very intimate and even flirtatious for having only a few minutes of conversation with these people. In some videos, the girls were mocked for running up to the stars and jumping onto them. As for the “stage performance,” the few videos released were hilarious. The stars lip synced to songs, made TikToks on stage, and danced. Some of the boys some boys actually sang (the only real sign of talent). And of course, all of these were greeted by the ear piercing screams of the teen girls in attendance. 

In the end, most viewed the tour as a joke, but nonetheless, it still boosted the popularity of those involved. Although it seems as if these influencers became famous from just staring into a camera, they bring some people genuine happiness and must be respected for that.