TikTok initially started off as an entertainment app but today, it is much more than that. According to Reach3 Insights, three-quarters of Generation Z said that TikTok helped them learn about prevalent social justice issues and politics in the society. Also, staying on the app exposed them to the current news and happenings around the world and allowed them to stay informed.
While we all love to enjoy entertaining and humorous content on TikTok, it has come to realization how this very extensive and engaging platform can be used to its full potential to bring important societal matters to light and make a change. Gen Z have been doing just that.
Over the past few months and even last year, active users on the platform have taken it upon themselves to bring awareness toward pressing issues in the society. Many have taken a stand and brought attention to important problems currently taking place in the world including the Yemen Humanitarian Crisis, the Black Lives Matter Movement, Climate Change, Uyghur Muslims in China held in cruel concentration camps, Forest Fires, the Libyan slave trade, police brutality in America and unfortunately much more.
Staying informed and bringing change is the trend for a lifetime! The constant efforts of Gen Z has influenced other generations and like-minded people to raise their voice against injustice and ongoing problems present in the society. With a platform like TikTok, millions of people were encouraged to sign petitions made to bring an end to injustice and even make donations to people who really need it.
The spirit of Gen Z on TikTok stays alive constantly. Not only are they ready to call out injustice or put up a fight, they also feel for each other. Although the majority of the users are strangers uniting on a platform, their struggles are somehow connected. Creators who need financial help or emotional support often take their struggles to TikTok and guess what, there is Gen Z right there, either sending help or ready to boost the TikTok and engage with it so that bigger creators with financial aid are able to come across the TikTok and provide help.
The TikTok Algorithm is a game Gen Z loves to play. Especially if it is in relation to spreading important news, bring awareness to people and creators in need of financial or medical help, encourages people to donate/sign petitions/ slam misconceptions and stereotypes, etc. The fact that news spreads faster on social platforms like TikTok, Twitter and Instagram is nothing new.
Difficult news must encourage difficult conversations. Different generations are prone to dwell in different mindsets and a section of the people are close-minded and do not understand the need to be the opposite. However, Gen Z yet again comes to the rescue. TikToks that talk about breaking stereotypes, activism, advocating for mental health and other heavy concepts have urged Gen Z TikTokers to engage in conversations with their families, friends and strangers about these concepts. Conversations that lead to open-minded discussions truly matter since it leads to positive actions towards change.
Gen Z’s ability to see the potential in a platform and use it, is a huge win. TikTok has become a huge part of our mundane routines where TikTok meme references are frequently made. It’s rather interesting knowing that the platform can be used to socialize as well as bring social change.
So why can’t we seize the best of both worlds?