TikTok has been highlighted across the media with recent congressional hearings questioning whether or not the application is safe for the American people regarding their privacy. However, one aspect that has not been talked about is user generated content (UGC) being used as a marketing practice on TikTok and whether it is a deceptive tactic that can thrive through TikTok’s Platform. Through TikTok, anyone is able to create and view content in forms of fifteen-second, five-minute videos about almost any topic. As this social media platform is video-based, many companies have shifted their marketing tactics to include videos. One form of these videos includes using UGC. By either reposting the users’ video on their page or incentivizing users to make their own content endorsing a brand, companies are now able to produce a genuine, peer-to-peer feel to their marketing tactics. However, TikTok is a newer platform with easy creative access to users, so many of these advertisements tend to just be seen as another video instead of an advertisement. This not only poses a threat to viewers watching UGC as an informational source, but also to the actual creators of UGC, dealing with the business end of UGC. UGC encourages users to watch endorsed advertisements through deceptive tactics, thus UGC creators do not follow current laws and regulations regarding online marketing and advertising, leaving sponsored and endorsed UGC unidentified. Users are encouraged to partake in excessive consumerism through the constant exposure of products, making UGC an unethical marketing practice for businesses to use on the TikTok platform.

User generated content (UGC) as defined by Ruoshi Geng and Jun Cheng in the journal article, “The Influencing Mechanism of Interaction Quality of UGC on Consumers; Purchase Intention–An Empirical Analysis,” as “online information created and shared by consumers that can influence other users’ purchase decisions” (1). This form of content has been used by the social media platform TikTok through content production such as “get ready with me” vlogs or even through TikTok content trends. These are the types of videos in which creators have opportunities to show everyday products they use in a non-promotional setting. While this form of product placement may seem casual, this UGC is still actively advertising a product. This is dangerous as internet literacy, a trait where people can identify sponsored versus non-sponsored content, is lacking in current users. In the journal article, “‘This Is a Sponsored Blog Post, but All Opinions Are My Own’: The Effects of Sponsorship Disclosure on Responses to Sponsored Blog Posts” by Yoori Hwang and Se-Hoon Jeong, Hwang and Jeong highlight this issue of a lack of internet literacy reporting. They say, “To check whether the manipulation of disclosure type was successful, study participants were asked to report whether the blog post contained an expression that the post was a sponsored post. 89.4% of the simple disclosure condition and 80.6% of the ‘honest opinions’ disclosure condition reported yes, whereas 10.7% of the no disclosure (control) condition reported yes” (531). Here we can see 10-20% of participants were unable to identify sponsored content. This theme reappears in Mikyoung Kim and Doori Song’s journal article, “When Brand-Related UGC Induces Effectiveness on Social Media: The Role of Content Sponsorship and Content Type.” Kim and Song identified 15% of their participants as unable to identify sponsorship content even with “…sponsored tweet-related information given in advance” (120). While these statistics may appear small in number, we still see a group of people unable to tell the difference between sponsored and unsponsored content. This group of people are being put at risk of deception as without being aware, they are consuming content by creators they consider to be trustworthy.

When looking for online reviews on a product, one is more likely to go to a friend or well-trusted figure for their opinion rather than referring to a company’s claims on said product. As Geng and Cheng identified, “Consumers today usually use social media to find product information and customer feedback before a purchase decision as they are more dependent on UGC” (3). This is because consumers, through social media, have a new channel of information from people around the world, which can be seen as a more honest source of information compared to a company actively trying to sell one a product. With UGC on TikTok, people are able to view in-action reviews in which viewers can see how the product works and how well it works. However, with sponsored UGC, the lines between an honest and sponsored review are blurred. This serves as an issue as Kim and Song highlight “…[that] organic (unpaid and natural) brand-related UGC induces fewer inferences of manipulative intent and more favourable responses than sponsored (paid) UGC on Twitter”(118). This not only shows people’s preference for unsponsored UGC used for reviews compared to sponsored UGC, but it also highlights how people feel manipulated when watching sponsored UGC. This can come from the idea that the creators producing sponsored UGC have some form of compensation in order to produce content for the company instead of for the people. Companies also recognize these aspects of trust and authenticity, realizing the more they take advantage of including these aspects in their own marketing campaigns, the more people they can bring in. In the journal article, “Understanding the Impacts of User- and Marketer- Generated Content on Free Digital Content Consumption” by Kexin Zhao, et al., Zhao, et al. identify that “…UGC provides companies an effective way to drive consumer demand and product diffusion through peer-to-peer influences…Interpersonal connections among consumers generate social influences in purchase decisions” (4). Because companies are taking advantage of these characteristics of UGC that differentiate UGC from regular marketing advertisements, the one source of trusted information becomes biased and questionable, leaving users to believe they are watching honest and truthful content.

Along with watching endorsed content, a lot of UGC on TikTok misses the proper indications that the content is serving as an advertisement. Avik Dutta, author of the article “TikTok Advertising,” shares a couple of examples of different indicators of advertisement put on sponsored videos. In Figure 1, the primary indicator of advertisement is the greyed out “Sponsored” box below the caption, along with a “Shop now” tab taking the user to the product. In Figure 2, a full screen advertisement is seen, usually when first opening TikTok. This full screen advertisement has no clear advertisement indicator, aside from the “Skip ads” button on the top right corner. However, with production quality and the action of clicking on the video to take you to the brands account, these aspects clearly indicate the video is a form of advertisement. A lot of creators on TikTok are made up of young adults and teens; familiarity with the laws and regulations surrounding marketing and advertising-based content is not a common trait among these creators. Many of these creators are unaware and end up unintentionally pushing sponsored content in a deceitful way. One example of this is with Alani Nutrition and their ambassador program. Alani’s ambassador program consists of college students who act as brand representatives and are required to post online content for the brand consisting of how this product is used in their everyday lives or show off new flavours and other releases. Alani Nutrition’s ambassadors receive free products and career opportunities (Alani Nu). However, multiple videos posted by these ambassadors do not indicate any form of relationship between the creator and brand. If they do include an indicator, it is done by including a hashtag indicating endorsement or sponsorship (Campus Protein). However, this indicator is usually hidden. According to Katrina Wu’s journal article, “YouTube Marketing: Legality of Sponsorship and Endorsement in Advertising,” she reports that “specifically, the FTC warns against designs where ‘scrolling’ is needed to get to a disclosure because having to scroll increases the risk that consumers will miss a disclosure” (27). As seen in this statement, hiding advertisement indicators within one’s description, such as seen in Figure 3 from a TikTok post from Campus Protein from 2023, goes against the Federal Trade Commission’s regulations on visibility of advertising indicators. In Figure 3, users are required to click the “more” button in order to get any information that the video they are watching may be sponsored (Campus Protein). Even in Figure 4, there is no form of indicator on or throughout the video (Campus Protein). With a lack of internet literacy and people relying more on online reviews, not clearly disclosing UGC as advertisement further takes away the aspects of trust and authenticity from the content. This further deceives people because not only are they unaware they are watching advertisements, but there is also nothing to indicate that it is an advertisement.

With people unaware that the content they are consuming are advertisements, this leaves people to believe that the products shown off in UGC are truly loved and used by said content creators. This influences the user consuming the content to purchase the product advertised, and it continues to repeat itself, becoming a cycle. This very act is an example of UGC encouraging the act of consumerism. While it can be easy to say no to buying a product, according to Luis M. Romero-Rodriguez and Bárbara Castillo-Abdul’s journal article, “Toward State-of-the-Art on Social Marketing Research in User-Generated Content (UGC) and Influencers,” Romero-Rodrigues and Castillo Abdul identify that the younger generation, Generation Z, are specifically the ones referring to UGC for purchasing purposes. This can be credited to influencers who “…are online content creators with high power of engagement, opinion, trend, likes and fashion, competing for conventional media audiences’ attention” (429). When one is younger, opinions and overall social appearance matters, so when products are trending or are pushed as the “next new thing” according to the people they idolize, they are not just likely to be influenced to buy the product, but they are also likely to feel as though they absolutely need it. This can be a dangerous mentality to have when new products are always coming out and promoted as the best new thing. Alvin B. Barcelona further identifies this danger through his journal article “#Budolfinds: The Role of TikTok’s Shopee Finds’ Videos in the Impulsive Buying Behavior of Generation Z Consumers.” He finds that “…half of TikTok users surveyed admitted they discovered new brands and products while using the application. About 89% of the respondents made an impulsive purchase after watching a video. Subsequently, this data is the highest among all social media platforms” (2317). This not only identifies TikTok as having an influence on buying decisions but also identifies how a majority of people are likely to be influenced by what they see on TikTok. Further, Barcelona finds that “[w]hen consumers see an influencer use or wear something, it taps into the social identity aspect of desiring and needing to fit their identity with people they look up to” (2321). This information supports the idea discussed earlier that one is likely to buy products aligning with what is socially popular. It can further be implied that this idea would further affect younger populations, as they are not only trying to find their own self-identity, but they are also trying to fit in socially. As seen in Muhammad Naeem and Wilson Ozuem’s journal article, “Understanding the Different Types of UGC Participants and Social Context for Fashion Brands: Insights from Social Media Platforms,” Naeem and Ozuem find that with access to technology, product purchasing decisions that pertain to products related to social culture are more likely to be influenced by this consumption of UGC (185). Since these products are more likely to be purchased when considered trendy through the exposure of UGC, this raises the idea that people consuming this UGC are more likely to contribute to this trend cycle of products, continuing to buy new and trendy products whenever they come out for sale. Not only does this encourage people to continue buying products, but it encourages people to continue buying products because it will make one feel complete, which is untrue. If multiple different products, along with the addition of others, “completes one’s life,” we then see that it is not the products making an impact, it is the feeling of social acceptance making an impact.

Works Cited

Barcelona, Alvin B., et al. “#Budolfinds: The Role of TikTok’s Shopee Finds’ Videos in the Impulsive Buying Behavior of Generation Z Consumers.” International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business & Education Research, vol. 3, no. 11, Nov. 2022, pp. 2316–28. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.ezproxy.mtsu.edu/10.11594/ijmaber.03.11.18.

Campus Protein [@campusprotein]. “Killer Collab WOW…” TikTok, 7 Jan. 2023, https://www.tiktok.com/@campusprotein/video/7185974774928149806.

Campus Protein [@campusprotein]. “Killer Collab WOW…” TikTok, 7 Jan. 2023, https://www.tiktok.com/@campusprotein/video/7185974774928149806. Figure 3. Figure 4.

Dutta, Avik. “TikTok Advertising.” Sprinklr: Unified AI-Powered Customer Experience Management Platform, Sprinklr, 28 Feb. 2023, https://www.sprinklr.com/cxm/tiktok-advertising/. Figure 1. Figure 2.

Geng, Ruoshi, and Jun Chen. “The Influencing Mechanism of Interaction Quality of UGC on Consumers’ Purchase Intention—An Empirical Analysis.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 12, July 2021, EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.ezproxy.mtsu.edu/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.697382.

Hwang, Y., and S. H. Jeong. “‘This Is a Sponsored Blog Post, but All Opinions Are My Own’: The Effects of Sponsorship Disclosure on Responses to Sponsored Blog Posts.” Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 62, Sept. 2016, pp. 528-535–535. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.ezproxy.mtsu.edu/10.1016/j.chb.2016.04.026.

“There’s an expectation that you must speak standard English to navigate this world, navigate society, get a job, or get into school. It’s the culture and the language of people in power” quoted Morgan Cornell, senior promotions producer at Sinclair Broadcast Group (Jackson). Throughout history we have adapted and conformed to society’s views of what is considered standard English, especially when it comes to history when groups of people have taken or moved people away from their homeland, forcing them to adapt to the dominant culture of their region. This quote prompts reflection on why we code-switch, often unconsciously. Like preferences for sushi, code-switching has both pros and cons, yet it’s vital to recognize its complexity and varied perspectives. Code-switching is a valuable tool that is used by everyone for their benefit in various contexts. However, for people of color, it is a necessary survival technique in navigating situations that range from personal to work-related, with perceptions of code-switching ranging from negative to positive or even impartial.

Over time, the concept of code-switching has evolved into a strategic tool, particularly for black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Originally coined by linguist Einar Haugen in 1954, code-switching originally referred to the mixing of languages or dialects mainly by bilingual individuals, according to Ida Harris in the article “Code-Switching Is Not Trying to Fit into White Culture”. Today, it extends beyond linguistic contexts, with people code-switching at work due to it being a professional setting or when interacting with strangers, such as people who work at the grocery store. For example, in the 2018 film Sorry to Bother You, starring notable actors and actresses like LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thomspon, Terry Crews, Danny Glover, and others, telemarketer Cassius Green, portrayed by LaKeith Stanfield, discovers a secret to professional success that soon takes him on a path of greed. In one scene, Danny Glover’s character advises Cassius to use his “white voice” at work to gain the trust of clients on the phone (“Satirizing ‘Code-Switching’ on Screen”). Glover’s character demonstrates this voice as high-pitched and cordial, contrasting with his deeper and more causal tone when speaking to Stanfield’s character (“Satirizing ‘Code-Switching’ on Screen”). This illustrates the necessity of altering one’s tone in a professional setting to effectively perform your job and establish a good rapport.

However, this definition of code-switching has changed drastically when it comes to its connotation for people of color. For black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), code-switching has become a daily survival technique, essential for navigating interactions outside their communities due to a lack of diversity and inclusion in their work environment according to the National Institute of Health (Sauceda and Atkins). While necessary, it can be exhausting and viewed negatively due to societal racism. In Netflix’s episode “What Had Happened”, the cast and creator, Justine Simien, of the show Dear White People along with the host Tre’Vell Anderson from LA Times discuss how BIPOC are taught to code-switch in various aspects of life, leading to a sense of losing themselves. Justin, a gay black man, explains that while code-switching emphasizes his identity and aims to make him more approachable, he also finds it burdensome due to the prevalent expectation for people of color to code-switch in various aspects of their lives (“What Had Happened”). Tre’ Vell Anderson says “As black folks, right, we’ve been raised in a society where we have to exist in multiple spaces at once. And so, for us, it is all part of us, right? But we see that certain parts of us we must turn down” (“What Had Happened”). Anderson explains the experience of growing up black in a society filled with systematic adversities and racism. From an early age, we are taught to code-switch due to our interactions with people of various races and in varied situations as a means of survival. Nonetheless, the usage of code-switching makes us who we are, but the need to constantly adapt for survival purposes can result in a diminished sense of identity, that can become heightened by negative perceptions within and outside the black community, along with self-doubt and other negative outcomes.

African Americans who code-switch, particularly in the workplace, may experience overwhelming feelings of burnout and psychological strain. In a CNBC article by Ashton Jackson, she interviews Morgan Cornell, a senior promotions producer at Sinclair Broadcast Group, who describes how code-switching can worsen existing workplace stigmas for African Americans, leading to exhaustion. This constant need to adapt may contribute to “black fatigue,” characterized by extreme exhaustion and lasting mental, physical, and spiritual effects., according to the National Institute of Health article on “What Is Black Fatigue and Code-Switching, and Why Do They Matter to Organizations?” (Saucers and Atkins). Experiences of exclusion, discomfort, and underrepresentation in work environments add to the strain on BIPOC health. Kiana Atkins, Principal Strategist for the Black Employment Portfolio at the National Institute of Health, shares her experience of feeling undervalued and excluded in the workplace, leading to self-doubt, and questioning her abilities (Sauceda and Atkins). Some attribute these challenges to the need for constant code-switching in predominantly white environments.

In predominately white workplaces, BIPOC may feel pressured to conform and struggle with being authentic. The podcast, “What’s So Bad About Code-Switching at Work?”, featuring Dr. Courntey McCluney, assistant professor of organized behavior at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, explains how institutions are responsible for creating the need and pressure to code-switch, so when you code-switch at work you can be seen as professional (Llyod and Washington). However, Dr. Courtney states “when allowed to bring your full self and culture to work, you can think better and make better and clearer decisions” (Llyod and Washington). She highlights the negative impact of code-switching, including the benefits of how being able to express yourself at work is better because you are less stressed about how others perceive you. Additionally, Dr. Courtney explains how code-switching can lead to expectations that all other individuals of the same age, race, and ethnicity act the same.

In reality, this has happened to me before. For instance, at my Summer job, being the youngest employee comes with presumptions about young people, like not dressing appropriately or being consistently late. I dislike these presumptions because they don’t reflect who I am. Hearing such statements motivates me to work twice as hard to prove them wrong and show that we’re not all alike. As a result, I always approach work with a focused mindset, mentally preparing for what to expect and adjusting my attitude towards my job and interactions. However, this constant adjustment leads to self-doubt, and I question myself and my capabilities all the time. This goes to show how code-switching at work can be viewed negatively because you are not able to express your true self, and “when people are comfortable in their diversity, that’s when we see strides happen” quoted by Zee Cohen-Sanchez, founder and executive director of Sole Strategies, a progressive campaigning and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy firm (Jackson).

BIPOC may experience confusion with code-switching at work, impacting their personal lives and potentially leading to feelings of ostracization. This manifests as exclusion from coworkers, friends, and strangers, causing inner conflict and disconnection. Changing their tone and image to fit in may cause an inner conflict and disconnection, leading them to face criticism for not “acting their race”. In “Black journalist at 9News talk about code-switching”, Alexandra Lewis, a news anchor with the company, shares receiving conflicting feedback via email about her on-air speech, in one email she was criticized for being “too prim and proper” like she was “trying to act white” and in the second email she was criticized for sounding  “too ghetto and unprofessional” (“Black journalist at 9News talk about code-switching”). Laurann Robinson, a meteorologist at the company, echoes these same experiences, highlighting the pressure for BIPOC to conform to certain standards to avoid ostracization (“Black journalist at 9News talk about code-switching”). This highlights the struggle of navigating identity and professionalism in predominantly white spaces, where code-switching is necessary regardless of the audience’s race or ethnicity, implying a standard BIPOC must meet to avoid ostracization.

This type of ostracization is deeply rooted in America, especially for people of color in the United States, but people who leave their home country looking for better opportunities in America. Code-switching in America imposes an expectation for people of any race and ethnicity to speak a standardized version of English. However, American English is diverse, reflecting various regional dialects. Morgan Cornell, in a CNBC article by Ashton Jackson, highlights how code-switching stems from America’s history of colonization and oppression (Jackson). Minority groups were forced to conform to American standards, imposed by white people during slavery and the 1870s, leading to a loss of identity (Jackson). Morgan Cornell states that “it’s the culture and the language of people in power” thus reflecting the power dynamics that are deeply embedded in our history, culture, and language (Jackson).

Although, code-switching does have various negative aspects there are positive implications for people of color, especially in progressing in their careers. Some BIPOC may believe that without code-switching they would not be able to progress in their careers. Statistics from Indeed reveal that black employees feel code-switching is essential in their work environment and is beneficial for advancing their careers. This is because less than half of black employees that code-switch believe that if they don’t then it will negatively impact their careers (Threlkeld). Additionally, a little over half of the employees or less have stated that after they have gotten into a higher position their need to code-switch decreased (Threlkeld). This not only allows career growth but also fosters greater approachability with coworkers and their customers. Additionally, code-switching may stem from a lack of workplace diversity or hierarchical representation, or to better fit the environment and help customers (Threlkeld). More than half of workers in companies scaling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives perceive code-switching as necessary, which undervalues its significance in diffusing tense situations and navigating their workplace.

Code-switching proves invaluable in navigating tense situations, both professionally and personally, requiring people of color to adjust their language and behavior to find common ground. This reality is vividly depicted in various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and books by authors addressing racism. For instance, in a professional setting when dealing with an aggravated customer, your tone will need to be calm and cordial to try to get them to calm down and for you to help them get what they want or need assistance with. These same criteria can be used for tense situations outside a work environment; however, these types of situations can possibly take a deadly turn. For example, in “The Hate You Give” by Angie Thomas, the protagonist Starr witnesses her childhood friend, Khalil’s, tragic death by a police officer. What’s truly heart-wrenching was not only the loss of her friend but Starr’s immediate response to the police encounter before and after the incident, highlighting a real incident that people of color go through. Before her friend is killed, she sees and hears those red and blue lights, Start immediately knows that she needs to make her hands visible to the officer and be cordial and respectful. After the incident although in a state of shock, grief, and pain, she still knows that she needs to make her hands visible and show that she is not a threat. This impactful scene truly illustrates the impact of altering one’s personality to alleviate discomfort and demonstrate non-threatening intentions. Thus, reflects the real-life challenges and results faced by people of color, especially with these types of encounters for people like George Floyd or Breonna Taylor, two among many people of color killed in tense situations with the law.

While “The Hate You Give” is a work of fiction, it does portray the real-life challenges experienced by people of color in navigating tense interactions, especially when it comes to interacting with figures like police officers. Reflecting on this, I recall a time when my mother and I were pulled over unjustly for speeding at Shelby Farms Park in the Summer. As the police officer approached our car, my mother’s demeanor visibly shifted. She spoke calmly, and articulated every single work, with a hint of authority, yet remained cordial and pleasant. She knew she wasn’t speeding and confidently asserted her innocence, after the officer came back to the car, we were given a warning but no ticket. This incident highlights how adapting one’s demeanor can be crucial in these types of situations.

Changing our perspective on code-switching can indeed lead to a shift in how we perceive and approach it. By reframing code-switching as a valuable skill or strategy rather than just a survival tactic, we can alter our attitudes towards it and reduce the stress associated with the term. This shift may lead to greater acceptance and appreciation, perhaps even changing its meaning to something more positive, such as “culture coding”. Porter Braswell, in his article “Code-Switching: Survival Strategy or Superpower,” challenges us to view code-switching in this light. He suggests that it’s not about faking or acting but rather an acquired ability to navigate diverse situations effectively (Braswell). He encourages us to see code-switching as a tool for survival and thriving, highlighting its usefulness in various contexts, from language interpretation to cultural exchange. By embracing code-switching as a positive strategy, we can authentically engage with others while staying true to ourselves.

Admittedly, not all BIPOC may feel this exact same way some may feel that code-switching does not have a major impact and is neither positive nor negative, but a grey area in our society that we all need to come to terms with. One factor is the impact of code-switching on our health as we are led to believe with the National Institute of Health. A study done for Indeed conducted by the Harris Poll reveals that when it comes to the impact of code-switching on their health, they are divided by the aspect of it (Threlkeld). The statistics reveal that more than half of the black participants from this study believe that code-switching has no impact on their mental health (Threlkeld). This shows that not all BIPOCs have the same viewpoints about the impact of code-switching on their health and that BIPOCs’ mental capabilities vary from person to person. This demonstrates the diversity of experiences and perspectives among individuals, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and discussing the varied realities of different racial groups. By recognizing these differences, we foster open-mindedness and deeper understanding among people, ultimately facilitating more meaningful discussions on issues impacting our communities and overall well-being.

Accepting code-switching as a natural part of one’s identity is crucial, especially for black individuals who may feel pressure to conform to stereotypes or images. Understanding that code-switching reflects the diverse environments and relationships we navigate allows for more inclusivity. For instance, in the video “What is Code Switching?”, Benjamin Abiola, a first-generation British-born Nigerian, gives us a visual insight into the different scenarios in how he code-switches. With his friends, he adopts a casual tone and slang, while with his Nigerian mother, his tone becomes more proper and polite, despite teasing from friends (“What is Code Switching?”). When speaking to his British sister, he feels comfortable using a British accent, even though, she perceives him as becoming “Americanized” (“What is Code Switching?”). In a corporate setting, his tone is more formal and slightly high-pitched to make others comfortable (“What is Code Switching?”). These examples demonstrate the flexibility and complexity of code-switching to adapt to various social contexts while maintaining authenticity.  Ultimately, code-switching is a part of Benjamin’s identity, as it is for all of us, and we shouldn’t expect others to alter their identity, culture, or language to conform when code-switching is who we are as people.

In the beginning, I used to think code-switching was bad because I would always be in a fight or flight type mindset, almost feeling like I was walking on eggshells. When I would code-switch, I felt that I wasn’t being myself, that I was only putting on a show for the people around me to see like I was hiding behind a mask. However, while conducting my research my opinion shifted into a more positive outlet. I originally believed that constantly having to survive in a world where I was supposed to be accepted no matter what became exhausting and tiring due to all the pressures and stigmatizing society has to offer for people of color. As both a person of color and female, I have to constantly check my surroundings and make sure that I am taken seriously seem approachable, and don’t fit any of the presumptions that will possibly be thrown at me. However, I began to see code-switching as more positive than negative because I would be able to achieve more in my life if I code-switched, and it is a technique that has been ingrained in me since childhood. However, the more I thought about it the more I started to question myself about whether code-switching is just supposed to be negative or positive, is there no middle ground to this controversial point? Which is how I came to the conclusion that I have now.

The essence of code-switching extends beyond black-and-white boundaries; it travels through various stages of our daily lives embodying shades of grey. Whether it’s adjusting our language with friends or speaking a different language in various settings. For instance, a Hispanic woman may secure a job due to her bilingualism and extensive work experience. However, she must also ensure her appearance and speech are professional for her interview, showcasing the duality of code-switching as “culture-coding.” Like layers of an onion, code-switching embodies positives, negatives, and neutrals, representing the complexity of societal norms. And at the core of code-switching is us, because as a society we have categorized things as being acceptable or not, forcing others to conform to changes that we believe may benefit in the long run. This is why we need to understand that all people have a preference and reasons for their actions, and this is one of them. Rather than criticize or try to change, should accept, and coexist, recognizing that code-switching is ingrained in us all and it’s okay to have your own opinions. While code-switching may have originated from America’s history and had negative connotations for BIPOC, we can now reconsider it in a new, perhaps more nuanced, light.

Awarded to Keashia Bonds for work submitted in Spring 2024 to Kylie Petrovich in ENGL 1020: Research and Argumentative Writing

Introduction
“Dude, it’s like my mouth is crying!! It’s burning so bad, but it feels so good!!” These are words from Sammie, who just attempted the Sour Candy Challenge. Sour candies are adored by most, and this is due to their main ingredient: Citric Acid. Citric acid is one of the most commonly known and used acids. It can be found in beverages, foods, and even skincare products. Due to its manufacturing process, overconsumption of citric acid can lead to inflammation- which is terrible for those with chronic illnesses, tooth erosion, and can even trigger some mental disorders. On the flip side, citric acid is not all bad; when used in certain candies, self-care, medical, and cleaning products, it is found to be quite efficient.

Manufacturing
As citric acid is manufactured, one specific substance is present: mold. This particular mold is known as Aspergillus Niger Fungus. I know what you’re thinking, “mold in my candy?” To be clear, this mold is only found when citric acid is not natural and has been fermented. As Iliana Sweis has shared, “ citric acid as a food additive is not natural citric acid; it is manufactured through fermentation using Aspergillus niger” (2018). The “mold” in use is actually a fungal allergen. This allergen is found to cause inflammation in those with asthma- a chronic illness.

Inflammation and Chronic Illnesses
Inflammation is basically when everything becomes red and swollen; this applies to internal and external parts of the body. Chronic illnesses are illnesses that last throughout the lifetime and often require intense medical accommodations. I myself have a chronic illness: Asthma. When people eat sour candy, I bet the last thing on their minds is whether or not the candy will affect their illness. I mean, I know that’s not what I’m thinking about. Aspergillus Niger, the mold in citric acid, as stated earlier, is quite harmful to those with said illnesses. The CDC warned that “for people who have weakened immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus spores can cause an infection in the lungs or sinuses which can spread to other parts of the body”
(2021). The “infection” is part of the inflammation, which can sometimes be deadly. As a person with Asthma, my lungs are normally a bit more swollen than the average person’s. Inflammation only closes the hole more, making it even harder to breathe. I’ve definitely felt my chest get tight while eating sour candy, but I thought that was just my body reacting to the sourness. I guess you really do learn something new every day.

Tooth Erosion
Every human being over the age of one year old has teeth; in fact, we all should have at least 32. On those teeth are a substance known as “tooth enamel.” Dentists at Glow Dental say this is “the strongest substance in our body” (2024). The enamel on your teeth is there to protect you from any acidic damage. Tooth erosion, more formally known as Erosive Demineralization, is the process of stripping said enamel off your teeth. According to an article by the American Dental Association, “consumption of acidic snacks/sweets or natural acidic fruit juice may also increase risk for erosion” (2021). It turns out that many of the fruits that we eat, because they are healthy for our bodies, are causing damage to our bodies instead. In a broader sense, citric acid is
strong enough to damage your tooth enamel; if that isn’t a sign to cut back on your consumption, then I’m really not sure what is.

Mental Disorders
Mental Disorders are classified as behavioral conditions that can affect your everyday thinking and functioning. The main one being discussed now is Bipolar Disorder. “Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a chronic mental illness characterized by recurrent episodes of depression, mania, and hypomania” (Yoshimi, 2016). Yushimi et al. (2016) conducted a study on men diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder to see if their metabolism played a role in the diagnosis. The main focus was to see if a malfunction in the Citric Acid Cycle was a key factor in developing BD. Moreover, they wanted to see if citric acid would lead to inflammation and have an effect on the severity of the illness (p. 151-158). As stated earlier, citric acid, when not in its’ natural state, can cause inflammation. When the study was concluded, its research depicted that those with BD, indeed, had higher metabolic levels than those without.

Anxiety
If you have ever eaten a piece of sour candy and soon felt your body relax, there is an explanation for that. The citric acid found in sour candies releases dopamine and distracts you from whatever makes you anxious. Eva Timothy wrote in an article that “eating tart candies can distract the brain from negative emotions, zeroing attention in on the sour, tingling sensation in
the mouth” (2024). The citric acid is what makes the sour so tart, and that tartness is used as a distraction. So, the next time you feel an anxiety or panic attack coming, eat some Sour Strips.

Skincare
You probably only think of candy when you hear citric acid, but it is actually a main ingredient in your skin and beauty products. Citric Acid can be found in many cosmetic products, ranging from lipsticks to even deodorant. Given the information, it might be questionable whether this is safe. Chemical Safety Facts issued, “Citric acid and its salts can be used to preserve cosmetics and personal care products, and to help adjust their pH levels” (2022). Citric acid is particularly beneficial when it comes to using it on the body, as opposed to consuming it.

Medicine
What are the odds that an ingredient found in cleaning products and candy would be used in medicine? The odds are low, but never 0. Once again, Chemical Safety Facts shares, “Citric acid also can be combined with sodium citrate and potassium citrate to lower acid levels in the urine to help prevent gout attacks” (2022). The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center says
these can be found in a medication called Lexi, which reduces acid in your kidneys and prevents swelling (gout attacks) (2018). Consuming an acid to help reduce acid… now that’s different. Though there are many downsides to overconsuming citric acid, as there are with most things, sometimes an excessive intake is alright.

Cleaning Products
After all the other information you’ve received, it could be shocking to learn that citric acid is in cleaning products. Chemical Safety Facts infers, “Citric acid is used to help kill harmful bacteria and help prevent infections on the skin’s surface that can be common in people with diabetes, the elderly and those who smoke” (2022). The acid is mainly used in dish and
laundry detergents. Depending on if it’s water-based, it could lead to metal corrosion, so it’s best to dry your items first.

Conclusion
Citric acid is one tricky acid to talk about. If you put too much of it in your body, there will be negative health effects. However, if you constantly use it on your body, you will soon see positive results. It’s one of those things that can help you and hurt you at the same time. I use skincare products that contain citric acid, and they have definitely been good to me. I also eat a
lot of foods that contain citric acid, more specifically sour candies, and they haven’t hurt me too much. The point of my research was never to stop people from eating sour candy, because I could never do that. I wanted to show you guys that too much sour candy- unnecessary overconsumption- will, at some point, catch up to you. Continue to eat your Sour Patch Kids!!
Just remember… too many will eventually kill you.

Work Cited

American Dental Association. (2021, August 31). Dental Erosion. Www.ada.org; American
Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/dental-erosion#:~:text=Dent
al%20erosion%2C%20also%20known%20as

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . (2019, January 25). Where Aspergillosis Comes From. Www.cdc.gov; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/aspergillosis/causes.html

Chemical Safety Facts. (2022, October 14). Citric acid. Chemical Safety Facts.
https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/citric-acid/

How Citric Acid Affects Your Teeth | Dentist Battersea. (2015, September 7). Glow Dental; Glow
Dental. https://www.glowdental.co.uk/how-citric-acid-affects-your-teeth/#:~:text=Importance%2
0of%20Prevention

Sodium Citrate & Citric Acid: Uses & Side Effects. (2024). Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20960-sodium-citrate-citric-acid-solution

Sweis, I. E., & Cressey, B. C. (2018). Potential role of the common food additive manufactured citric acid in eliciting significant inflammatory reactions contributing to serious disease states: A series of four case reports. Toxicology Reports, 5, 808–812.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.08.002

Timothy, E. (2024, February 14). Sour Power: Can Candy Help Stave off Panic and Anxiety Attacks? – Ask an Expert. Extension.usu.edu; Utah State University Extension.
https://extension.usu.edu/news/can-candy-help-stave-off-panic-and-anxiety-attacks#:~:te
xt=According%20to%20Health.com%2C%20when

Yoshimi, N., Futamura, T., Kakumoto, K., Salehi, A. M., Sellgren, C. M., Holmén-Larsson, J.,
Jakobsson, J., Pålsson, E., Landén, M., & Hashimoto, K. (2016). Blood metabolomics analysis identifies abnormalities in the citric acid cycle, urea cycle, and amino acid metabolism in bipolar disorder. BBA Clinical, 5, 151–158.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.03.008