Through the years, new forms of media began to emerge, thus rapidly influencing users regardless of age, race, beliefs, etc. For instance, the social networking application for sharing photos and videos now known as “Instagram” spread like wildfire with one million users in two months, ten million in a year, and one billion by June 2018. Much like the photo-sharing application “TikTok” arose in 2016, quickly acquiring popularity in almost every area of the world. The app topped 2 billion smartphone downloads globally by October 2020 and was named the third fastest-growing brand in 2020 by Morning Consult, after only Zoom and Peacock. Soon enough, however, the growth of the app drastically changed both its content as well as its users. The Chinese video networking app, formerly known for PG lip-syncs and viral dances, has grown increasingly politicized as users turn to it for genuine political action.
Personal is political for Digital Natives; Political issues, such as gun violence, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and just a while ago a worldwide epidemic, constitute existential identity dilemmas for Generation Z. For example, TikTok has emerged as an unexpected conduit for members of this generation to make political remarks during the Black Lives Matter campaign.
Kids aged 8 to 18 now spend an average of seven and a half hours a day in front of a screen, well beyond experts’ suggestion of two hours. With all this time, however, teens are often able to openly express their opinions and thoughts on relevant topics, shining a light on troubles occurring in the world currently and many more. Gen Zs were also more willing to take action on social concerns, with 69% having addressed them with family or friends, compared to 41% of their older counterparts. 57% of Gen Z says TikTok keeps them up to date on current events.
TikTok users are also more likely to participate in political activities as a result of their usage of TikTok. Users have prompted actual social change at the grassroots level for a generation of users who may have been overlooked and dismissed. More than three-quarters of TikTok users believe the site has helped them learn about social justice and politics and remain up to speed on news. However, how TikTok users are more inclined to act on their political ideas is much more significant: For good reason, TikTok users feel that the app has created real action for, for instance, the BLM movement; 26% of TikTok users recently attended a BLM demonstration, whereas just 13% of non-users did. Not only that but a big chunk of the app’s users after viewing valuable information on TikTok tend to initiate talks with their friends and family, while also signing petitions, and educating themselves further as well.
Conclusively, there’s no doubting TikTok’s rising political influence as Generation Z continues to express themselves and organize on the site. As the TikTok debate heats up, Gen Z TikTok fans will continue to make the personal political. TikTok is only the spark for a painfully aware generation, the very existence of which appears political. The app acts as a center for collectivism, agency, dialogue, and action. Generation Z is optimistic, active, and ready to make use of technology.
EAC PRESS 