TikTok was designed to promote stupid, inane, and self-destructive memes to Americans (westerners in general).

It's the exact opposite of how it works in China. You would never see this kind of stupid shit on Chinese TikTok.

I'm sure there are plenty of people producing interesting stuff on TikTok, Just as with any user submitted content site, but that's not what the algorithm wants to make sure everybody sees.