Why Is Gen Z SO Obsessed With TikTok?
The app we never knew we needed.
by KATE WALKER ★ JULY 22, 2020
TikTok, the increasingly popular and universally-addictive app for making and sharing short videos, has taken the digital world by storm...or at least Gen Z’s world. When the app was initially gaining notice, people downloaded the newest form of social media almost as a joke because “everyone else was doing it.” The “joke” quickly turned into a full-blown obsession where almost every Gen Z-er was not only viewing the short videos but making them as well. COVID-19 and the unexpected amount of free time to sit on our phones and learn every variation of “Savage” only heightened the app’s popularity. In the wake of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, TikTok played a pivotal role in educating its diverse audience and creating a positive environment of shared opinions and perspectives. The app that once began as a “joke” transformed into space where users can be unapologetically themselves which this generation so desperately needed.
After rumors began circulating that TikTok will soon be banned in the United States as it poses a “security threat,” TikTok “glitched” on July 9 and all videos on the app saw 0 views and 0 likes. The glitch only lasted a few hours but the TikTok community’s world literally came crashing down, shattering into a million tiny pieces. This extremely emotional response to the closure of the app begs the question: “Why is Gen Z so obsessed with TikTok?”
Compared to other platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, TikTok has a much smaller variety of users and more concentrated age demographics. 66% of the platform’s users are under the age of 30, with 60% of the app’s monthly users being between 16 and 24. This means TikTok’s content is a lot more targeted and focused on the age group that belongs to Generation Z (and somewhat Millennials), and the people using TikTok are also the people creating its content. The comedy style of TikTok remains familiar as it's always the same age-range of people creating the clips, which curates a relatable and attention-grabbing reel of short clips, even if the content’s topic is unfamiliar. The app also appeals to Gen Zers’ eight-second attention spans as well as to their overriding preference for visually-oriented social media platforms. In addition, TikTok’s algorithm generates a “For You Page” based on the user’s engagement on each video, such as likes, commenting, and sharing. TikTok being able to formulate an infinite number of videos that perfectly target what content you enjoy is exactly what makes it so addicting and easy to disappear on the app for what seems like hours.
In a time of civil unrest, such as what we have seen amidst the #BlackLivesMatter movement and the COVID-19 pandemic, TikTok acted as a platform to spread critical information and promote important conversations. Gen Z is a driving force behind BLM and is partly accountable for its huge success and continuing momentum, and TikTok created such a space for that energy. Valuable clips of information with regards to police brutality and the protests were spread through the app, and due to its largely diverse audience, opposing opinions and perspectives were also shared which is extremely valuable to better understand the matter at hand. TikTok’s venture into politics was proven to be extremely productive and is continuing to be used as a tool in combating issues that lack attention, and creators are shining a light on them by spreading messages and demanding change.
Credit: Seventeen Magazine
Pre-glitch, I didn’t consider myself “TikTok obsessed.” However, post-glitch, I realized that not only was I shamelessly obsessed with this app that I once made fun of, but I was confronted with the fact that it is the only space where Generation Z can come together and express themselves freely. TikTok transports you into a community that is relatable, inspiring, and informative. Whether it be a silly dance, voiceovers, acting, politics, travel “vlogs,'' artwork, etc., TikTok provides a safe and supportive community for every kind of person. Although there are some exceptions, TikTok is the only social media platform that is designed to not be taken seriously and only share the happy moments of your life. Gen Z has grown up in the digital age where social media consumes our lives. From the early days of Tumblr, all the way to Snapchat and Instagram, we were flooded with images and videos that promote insecurities, whether it be with one’s body image, a lack of materialistic objects, one’s life and mental well-being, etc… Although TikTok has also been a victim of these harmful narratives, the content depicted on this app is disproportionately positive and accepting, irrespective of one’s race, nationality, body type, sexuality, political beliefs, etc, and that is SO refreshing.
This is why we believe our generation is obsessed with TikTok. We were starving for a platform that cultivates positivity and acceptance, and we didn’t even know it.
Credit: Pinterest
TikTok stands out from the other social media platforms that rule the lives of so many Gen Z-ers. The app has transformed from a light-hearted platform, created to simply share short video clips, into something so much bigger than its creators even anticipated. The app nurtures positivity, acceptance, and creativity. It’s range of videos extend numerous genres, from embarrassing, light-hearted videos, all the way to informative messages that have proven to be extremely impactive on the trajectory of the nation’s politics. It has provided the platform for Gen Z-ers around the world to come together and make a difference the world so desperately needs, and I am excited to see us pave the way for a brighter, more ethical future through utilizing tools such as TikTok… just so long as it doesn't get banned :((((((.
Cover photo credit: Instagram (@charlidamelio)