Summary

The article discusses the social implications of a viral TikTok video featuring a man eating alone, questioning the societal norms around filming strangers and the assumptions made about individuals who dine alone.

Abstract

A TikTok video of a man eating alone at McDonald's sparked widespread attention, with the content creator expressing a desire to join him, suggesting a perceived sadness in his solitude. The video's virality prompted discussions on the ethics of filming strangers without consent and the voyeuristic tendencies of society. The article argues that not all solo diners are lonely or in need of companionship, challenging the stereotype that eating alone is inherently sad. It also highlights the issue of white privilege and racism as seen in another viral incident involving a "Dunkin Donut Karen." Furthermore, the article references a 2018 study linking the habit of eating alone to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, particularly in men. The author concludes by advocating for respect towards individuals' privacy and personal space while dining alone and offers some dining etiquette tips for solo diners.

Opinions

The act of filming and sharing videos of strangers eating alone is seen as invasive and voyeuristic.
Society often misinterprets solitude as loneliness or sadness, which is not always the case.
The author condemns the lack of privacy and consent in recording and sharing such videos online.
There is a double standard in how society views men and women dining alone, with women often feeling more uncomfortable or judged.
The article suggests that eating alone does not necessarily indicate loneliness and can be a personal choice.
The author criticizes the display of "white privilege" in a separate incident captured and shared online.
Referencing a study, the article points out potential health risks associated with frequent solo dining, especially for men.
The author encourages solo diners to embrace their independence and offers tips for a positive dining experience without succumbing to societal pressures or judgments.

Being alone isn't sad

The Misplaced Kindness by a Netizen to a Man Eating Alone He/She Presumed Was Sad

Don’t be a creep

Photo by KoolShooters, reimagined on Canva by the Author

When a netizen felt he/she had to upload a video on the social media platform TikTok of a young man eating alone with a caption, that translates into English,

“I noticed this guy while we were eating at McDo, he was all alone. I would have liked to sit next to him so I could be with him, but I was too shy.”

Earthlings, we have a problem.

The video had become viral. Many TikTokers joined the bandwagon either to condemn the content creator or feel bad for the guy whose photo was splashed all over social media.

What has our society become? Not only do we find the need to upload videos of random strangers, but we have become voyeurs.

While stepping up for the underdog and filming real-life villains can be a form of social justice, not because you can use your phone to videotape what is happening around you means you have the right to film a random stranger eating alone.

In my book, you’re a creep.

In contrast, it is good that someone actually filmed ‘Dunkin Donut Karen.’

Is Donut Dunking Still A Thing With The Gen Z?

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." — Clark Gable

medium.com

But as many noticed, nobody did step in and stopped the crazy racist from showing the rest of the world a picture of what white privilege is all about.

Why eating alone may be bad for your health

Not everything your eyes see is the whole story but neither does it need to be your story. A person eating alone could be just that, someone eating alone. There is no backstory, heartache, or need for a stranger to save the person from sadness.

But eating alone can be uncomfortable especially for women because society sees women of a certain age alone as being lonely.

If you’re a woman reading this story, how many times have you eaten alone in a restaurant and felt uncomfortable when asked twice,

Table for one?

An article by Sharon Mendelaoui sums it all up — It sucks dining alone, but please don’t spend the whole time on your phone.

That it is OK to dine alone, but she has some tips that can go handy the next time you find yourself — alone.

1. Don’t let the staff or hosts get to you. There is absolutely no shame in eating a meal alone. Own it, be proud of it and know that there are thousands of people on business, travelling alone, or who just want to go out and enjoy a good meal.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for a window or a table with a view. Just because you are dining alone doesn’t mean you have to sit hidden in the corner of the restaurant.

3. Stop and enjoy your surroundings. Don’t be afraid to look around and take it all in. It may just lead to some chit chat with a nearby table, and if they know the restaurant, you may just get some great meal recommendations.

4. Bring a distraction but don’t be a distraction. A tablet, book, notebook or phone can all provide something to do in between courses. Remember to turn devices to silent and try not to disturb the people around you. — Excerpt, It sucks dining alone, but please don’t spend the whole time on your phone.

But sad to be the bearer of bad news, a 2018 study does show that eating alone can be bad for your health. While you may not necessarily be lonely or sad, you may be prone to Metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Eating alone ≥2 times/day was significantly associated with increase abdominal obesity (OR, 95% CI:1.45, 1.10–1.91, p-trend = 0.039) and MetS (1.64, 1.28–2.10, p-trend = 0.004) in men.

Eating alone was associated with a higher likelihood of having a MetS in men without spouse as compared with those with spouse.

Our results indicate that eating alone may be a potential risk factor for MetS. — Excerpt, Eating alone and metabolic syndrome: A population-based Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014

In the 2018 study, it does seem to affect men more than women and that is contrary to how society treats women eating alone.

Final words

Throughout my adult life, I have enjoyed eating alone, drinking coffee alone, and even watching movies alone.

While it is true there were times when I was sad or lonely, I’m sure it won’t be the first time you would read this,

Sometimes eating with someone else can also make you feel sad or alone.

So, the next time you feel the urge to upload a man or a woman eating alone on social media, with the presumption that they need you to make them feel less sad, think again as many of us on the other side of the table think you are being a creep once you start filming us while we are eating.

Please, while the world needs more kindness, you can take your misplaced kindness elsewhere.

Thank you for reading.

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