As TikTok becomes more integrated into the youth experience, it becomes important for parents to understand what terms such as ‘sneaky link’ mean on TikTok. Such or similar phrases can have profound meaning and repercussions with regard to youths’ relationships and social contacts.
In this article, we will try to explain what this term refers to. Its genesis, as well as the associated dangers, should it be in use among teens.
What does a sneaky link mean on TikTok?
A sneaky link means a secret romantic relationship between two people. It can also mean having an affair with someone in which meetings and textings are made without other people being aware of such a relationship.
As compared with other types of relations, sneaky links are usually based on casual contacts. It is similar to the “friends with benefits” but with a special focus on concealment.
Who uses sneaky link slang?
This slang, “sneaky link,” is most commonly found or uttered by the youthful generation, especially on platforms like TikTok.
This demographic is more likely to be accepting of non-committal relationships and are casual in their discussion of sexual matters.
Here’s why teenagers and young adults may use this slang:
- Relatability. The concept of having an open-ended relationship with someone genuinely appeals to youth. Especially those that may not want the seriousness of a commitment.
- Humor and Irreverence. It is often used jokingly and playfully, giving people something to laugh about in their dating lives.
- Online culture. Sites such as TikTok have popularized speaking about sexuality and relationships. That is why teenagers can freely use such slang.
- Privacy. The term itself suggests this attitude of people to be secretive. Many young people may not want their dating life to be public.
Sneaky link slang on TikTok: Origin and rises
The slang “sneaky link” quickly escalated through TikTok, especially due to the song “Sneaky Link” by HXLLYWOOD in 2021.
Its easily memorable melody and lyrics describing subtle extramarital affairs were immediately interesting to millions of young TikTok fans.
Avenues such as challenges and trends highlighted in TikTok created the perfect stomping ground for the slang “sneaky link.”
People made millions of videos with this song. And most of the clips featured ironic portrayals of confidential affairs or one-night stands.
It enables users to talk about issues such as casual relationships without necessarily exposing too much information openly.
How to use ‘sneaky link’ on TikTok or in text? (Examples)
Since “Sneaky Link” has become popular on TikTok, people use it in videos and trends, mostly in a joking and creative manner. Here are a few examples.
- Dance challenges. Some of the dance challenges made with the use of the “Sneaky Link” song normally contain some inappropriate dancing moves.
- Comedy skits. TikTokers have, over the course of the past months, adopted the term in comedic skits depicting casual flings.
- Relationship advice. A few people report on their encounters with the sneaky links, trying to pose as if they are giving advice. Or maybe discussing the merits and demerits of such relationships.
- Song parodies. Some users have taken time to create remixes to the “Sneaky Link” song. Changing the lyrics based on what they deemed funny or relevant to their lives.
Here is some quotes from TikTok using the term “sneaky link”:
“Well, I did get a little sneaky link, yeah, you know what I mean?” ➢ It frequently occurs as a meme in the caption of numerous TikTok videos.
“It’s only the occasional thrill, a bit of fun over the weekend, and a sneaky link.” ➢ A user depicting a casual affair.
“I am not cheating, this is just a sneaky link, take it easy!” ➢ A funny way to look at a hidden affair.
More other slang words have the same meaning
Here are some of the close terms in meaning to sneaky links, popular among teens, that refer to casual, clandestine relationships.
- FWB (Friends with Benefits)
This is a type of companionship where two people indulge in sexual relationships without having any formal marriage attachment or partnership. The affair is generally recognized as being non-commitment-based. This implies that partners only engage in physical contact, not emotions.
- Situationship
A situationship refers to a romantic relationship that is neither well-defined nor clearly bound. It can involve affection with no commitment towards each other. It is more informal and much like a sneaky link.
- Netflix and Chill
Originally used to mean watching Netflix together, the phrase has become one that acts as an invitation for consensual non-relationship sex. It translates into a casual attitude to both hookups and similar experiences, referring to sneaky links.
- Hookup
This is a wide term that can be used to describe sexual contact between two people not in any committed relationship. It can range from simple romantic contact, such as kissing right up to having sex. This is without necessarily being in a serious relationship.
- Booty Call
This term refers to an invitation for casual sex from a stranger. It usually happens at night and the person making the call is normally not in a relationship with the receiver. It is used to imply casualness and attention to the physical more than to the interpersonal connections.
Sneaky link apps parents should be aware of
Apart from TikTok, there are so many other famous apps that offer avenues for secret relationships and hookups among youths.
Snapchat
Popular for its features such as disappearing messages, snapchat is an application where you can send photos and videos that disappear once they are opened.
This feature makes the platform support discreet communication, which is a feature that attracts the youth, especially teens.
Though more of a photo-sharing social network, Instagram incorporates a means by which two people can directly message each other.
Young people use this app to plan meetings or type sexually charged messages to their sneaky links and other people won’t know.
Confide
This application is intended for one-on-one communication and has aspects like self-destructive messages and protection against screenshots.
It attracts users who would wish to keep most of their conversations discreet. For that reason, it is appropriate for sneaky links.
CoverMe
A paid application that allows users to send self-deleting messages and provides a lockbox for their files. It values the privacy and security of users and customers.
It has features such as disappearing messages which enable users to talk and express themselves without a trace left behind.
Signal
Recommended for security, Signal includes the feature to encrypt messages and make secure calls. Due to its emphasis on privacy, it has become popular among teens who want to discuss sneaky links discreetly.
Dangers of developing a sneaky link online
Being with a sneaky link exposes teenagers to several dangers, especially because the relationship is conducted secretly. Knowledge of such risks is essential for parents and guardians to understand what specific threats kids can face online.
Here is a breakdown of how different risks are associated with sneaky links below:
1. Privacy issues
Teenagers may disclose some private information to a stranger or someone they barely know, and thus, privacy may end up being violated. Sending intimate photos could land one in trouble, especially if such private pictures and videos leak.
2. Emotional manipulation
This unhealthy interaction form can lead to attachment issues and a distorted perception of interpersonal and intimate relationships. Sneaky links accompanied by secrecy may lead to low self-esteem or shame if the relationship violates personal beliefs.
3. Sexting and inappropriate content
- Legal risks: Sharing or receiving sexually provocative text or pictures is often referred to as sexting. It is unlawful if involving under-aged individuals.
- Exposure to inappropriate material. Clicking into a seemingly normal link is also likely to result in interactions with unwanted content that may be toxic or disturbing.
4. Health risks
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Unprotected sexual activities put individuals at great risk of incurring STIs and pregnancy in the course of their Sexual Relationship.
- Serious mental health impact: Being in a stressful, complicated relationship can lead to anxiety or depression.
Tips to monitor and keep your kids safe from sneaky link
To safeguard children from the risks of having sneaky links. In all the other forms of negative interactions on the Internet, the following measures can be used by parents.
Use the parental control tools
The use of parental control software is effective as a means to monitor or even limit your child’s activities on the internet. One such tool is FlashGet Kids, which was developed to assist parents in properly tracking kids‘ location and monitoring their online activities.
Some of the features available whenever using FlashGet Kids include:
- Live monitoring: The parent can know what apps, games, and sites kids prefer and when & how long they spend time on them. The app can even enable parents to capture screenshots remotely if needed.
- Notification tracker: The notification tracker works to inform parents about their child’s activity on the phone, including text messages, phone notices, calls, etc.
- App blocking: This feature lets parents restrict their kids’ access to certain applications deemed unfit for young audiences and also limits their screen time for healthy digital habits.
Open communication and education
- Communicate with your children about acceptable and inappropriate behaviors.
- Explain to your children that it is unsafe to give personal details to people they do not know on the internet.
- Talking about personal safety with your children, starting with healthy relationships, consent, and respect.
Monitor and manage online activity
- Take time to frequently go through your kids’ social media accounts on applications like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
- Adjust built-in settings like family-sharing features to monitor the apps being used as well as the location of the devices.
- Provide some guidelines and standards, like when children are allowed to use devices, how long they can spend online, and what acceptable behavior online is.
Final words
Understanding what ”sneaky link” means on TikTok, Snapchat, or other social media is not limited to just learning about teen slang. It is about safeguarding our kids when in the digital spaces. Such evolving terms reflect intricate social relationships that can put teenagers in great danger while using the internet.
Parents should, therefore, continue to be actively involved by using devices like FlashGet Kids, which assist in the management of kids’ interactions and keep them safe.
