TikTok Shops Are Ruining Online Shopping

TikTok Shop, a built-in e-commerce feature on the social media app, is changing the way young people shop online. While the platform offers flash deals and viral products at cheap prices, many consumers are starting to question the quality, safety, and ethics behind the purchases.

At first glance, TikTok Shop seems like a fun way to buy trendy items seen in videos, of poor customer service, fake reviews, and counterfeit goods are becoming more common. In a recent study by Retail Dive, nearly 40% of Gen Z shoppers said they had received a product from TikTok Shop that didn’t match its description.

Experts warn that TikTok’s algorithm may prioritize engagement and virality over legitimate business practices. “These shops aren’t always held to the same standards as traditional e-commerce platforms,” said analyst Julia Wong. “It’s the wild west of online shopping.”

As concerns grow, some sellers and small businesses are also being replaced by cheap mass-produced items shipped directly from overseas manufacturers. If TikTok doesn’t improve transparency and quality control, the platform risks losing trust among the very users who made it popular in the first place.