Viral Moments and Lasting Memories: TikTok Fame with My Ex.
As I start writing this, I wonder how many of you came from the TikTok era that my ex and I went through. That period of my life was absolutely wild. I remember making my first video on TikTok about the pandemic and how it was impacting everyone here in Quebec. I was filming the TV as they announced lockdowns, and I remember just yelling “Fuck!” at the screen. That video got over a million views, and from then on, I was hooked. The rush from all the engagement was addictive.
I’d been on social media for a long time before TikTok, but nothing had ever taken off like this. Things got even crazier when my ex and I posted a little dance together. The funny part? I’m a dancer, and he wasn’t, so it made a cute contrast. He was this adorable, clean-cut guy, and I was the tattooed one with a darker look, so I guess the opposites-attract factor added to our appeal.
I remember waking up to over 6 million views on that video, with comments pouring in from all directions. Some were supportive and happy to see us as a visible gay couple on TikTok, while others were hateful, saying things I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But engagement is engagement, right? My ex and I weren’t prepared for the attention, but we rode the wave.
During the pandemic, when everyone was stuck at home scrolling on their phones, it was the perfect time to go viral and build an audience. It’s funny to think back because those were some of the most peaceful times in my life with my ex. Imagine: our “job” was just making videos with someone I loved, having fun, and soaking up those simple moments.
But then, things took a turn. People started making sexual comments about me, specifically, like analyzing my sweatpants or, well, you get the picture. Then, in October 2020, I decided to join OnlyFans, but this blog isn’t about that. I just wanted to mention how quickly the online energy shifted.
Thousands of people began sexualizing me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Truthfully, I’d never thought of myself as that kind of guy—I was insecure about my teeth, didn’t have a beard, and didn’t feel confident in my looks. Four years later, I’ve grown a lot, and it’s strange to look back on that time.
Our days were simple: we’d wake up, laugh, cuddle with our dog, check our engagement stats, and follow whatever trends were hot. Honestly, it felt like an addiction, at least for me. I just wanted more and more, pushing for viral moments. Toward the end of our relationship, though, things started feeling forced. My ex was tired of social media; he wanted to return to a normal life. But I was too far in, too hooked on the rush, and I couldn’t stop.
I remember our last video together. Not many could tell, but I saw it in his face—he wasn’t enjoying it anymore. It felt like I was holding him hostage to make content to pay the bills. I’m not sure if social media was the reason for our divorce or just the final straw, but it was a big part of it.
TikTok, Instagram, OnlyFans—all of it became vessels for my addiction to the high social media gave me. That’s why, recently, I’ve been rebranding. I don’t want to look at social media like that anymore. I want it to be an outlet for my art—whether that’s dance, boxing, or anything that speaks to my soul, not just a place to show off my body.
The connections you can make online are incredible. People can know everything about your life without ever meeting you, which is both amazing and strange.
If I could do it all over again, would I still do social media or TikTok? Yes. I might change a few things, but I do feel like I built an audience and a support system that genuinely cares. Even though my ex has stopped using his Instagram, which blew up to 16 or 18 thousand followers just by being associated with me, I know the love and support we shared with our followers hasn’t gone unnoticed.
I’m excited and a little nervous for what’s next in my social media journey. I want to share moments that truly matter to me now as an adult. I’m looking forward to letting the world in on my journey as I explore who Zachary Dopson is—a 30-year-old single dog dad, living in Montreal, figuring out life one post at a time.
