I have to be honest—I just don’t have the time or energy for TikTok. While it seems like the whole world is addicted to it, I can’t seem to find the appeal. And before you think it’s because I’m getting old, let me clarify that I’m only 23 years old myself. TikTok is supposed to be my playground, but it just doesn’t hit the spot for me.

TikTok has taken the world by storm ever since its launch in 2016. With over three billion downloads, it has become a phenomenon. But I adamantly refuse to be one of its users. Sure, sometimes I feel like I’m missing out on the hype, but honestly, I don’t really care. Here’s why.

At its core, TikTok isn’t that special. Yes, there’s a nostalgic factor to it, as it reminds us of Vine. But unlike Vine’s concise 7-second format, TikTok stretched it to 10 long minutes. And to be honest, I already waste enough time on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Call me lazy or consider it good time management, but the best TikTok content eventually finds its way onto my other feeds without me having to scroll for hours. By the time I come across a viral TikTok on my Twitter or Instagram timeline, everyone else has already seen it weeks ago. But I like to think of it as curation.

One of TikTok’s biggest appeals is its seemingly endless scrolling. You can literally scroll for hours or even days without the algorithm running dry. While this may sound enticing, it can become mindless and toxic. With platforms like Instagram or Twitter, at least there’s a content roadblock eventually. But on TikTok, the scrolling never stops.

In fact, the company had to release videos advising users to put their phones down and get some sleep instead. It’s a clear sign of the addictive nature of TikTok’s endless scrolling.

Privacy is another major concern when it comes to TikTok. Personally, I try my best to control my online presence because the idea of tech giants knowing more about me than I know about myself doesn’t sit right with me at all. And this isn’t just specific to TikTok; data collection and theft are issues involving most major tech companies.

Some countries have taken the extreme step of banning the app due to TikTok’s addictive “For You Page.” It collects and analyzes information on how you use your phone, what videos you like or dislike, and how you spend your time to curate a perfectly tailored feed that keeps you hooked.

As far as we know, TikTok has the ability to track your geolocation, collect biometric information, and even access the content of your messages. And what they do with this information is not always transparent. This list of concerns doesn’t even touch upon how TikTok’s addictive videos can impact your mental health.

These apps are meant to make our lives easier, not make us dependent on them. But as time goes by, it feels like we’re headed towards a dystopian future where we can’t live without these platforms.

So, for now, I’ll stand my ground and stay away from TikTok. I’ll stick to my other social media feeds and save my time and energy for things that truly matter.