What is ‘watertok?’

Open any social media application at any given time and you will see people indulging in very niche trends. Facebook and Twitter previously gave us nonsense like planking and, now, TikTok is riding the dubious health video trend with its “watertok” creators.

For those unaware of the so-called “hack,” it refers to a wave of mostly white women who are flavoring their waters with syrups and powdered flavorings to make the thing humans need to live more appealing as a means of being more hydrated. It has received over 140 million views on 13,000 posts and, while some people do struggle to stay hydrated, side effects may leave one worse off and wondering just why a stranger would lead them into doing something which could lead to very high medical expenses as well.

According to a report critically examining the hobby on Delish, such additives are often incredibly acidic even when marketed as the diet or sugar-free varieties. These can risk erosion of tooth enamel which can then lead to root canal treatment (to say nothing of possible indigestion) and little is going to serve as a fitting alternative to just plain water when it comes to safeguarding teeth.

Negative effects can also be counteracted by a rinse with mouthwash and, if you do not take this at face value and still think the word of a woman whose days might also be filled with selling essential oils is more important than a doctor, there are other important things to keep in mind about public figure presences. Generally, an image conveyed to audiences is not always what it seems. It is possible several of these “watertok” women may not actually be drinking what they claim and, elsewhere, the Monster Energy drink brand has produced special “tour water” cans for festivals and events so staff and celebrities look like they are drinking the fizzy concoction when, in reality they are keeping a wide distance from it and its usual entry into their bodies.

So, please, be careful. If you like regular water, great, and, if not, “recipes” for enhanced stuff can be found right here, though, it must also be remembered major brands like Coca-Cola have gotten in trouble for making similar claims. They had to settle claims their vitaminwater could reduce the risk of “eye disease” in 2016, and, if influencers are not careful, they could be up in court next.