News on Tik Tok
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A tool for awareness or a gateway to misinformation?
In recent years, TikTok has broadened its platform from being about creative dance trends to comedy skits, food reviews, vlogs of everyday life, and news. TikTok is a major news source for millions of users, especially teens and young adults. As traditional outlets struggle to keep viewers engaged, TikTok’s short-form and engaging content has filled in this gap. The rise of TikTok as a news source raises the question: Is this shift actually helping people stay informed, or is it pushing misinformation?
A strength of Tik Tok is its ability to reach widespread audiences who may not be kept up-to-date on news channels. Fewer people watch news channels, while scrolling through TikTok is a new daily practice for most. Content from Tik Tok is short and easy to digest without feeling overwhelming. Creators break down election news, world events, scientific discoveries, and more in understandable videos that are short enough to keep viewers alert. This accessibility helps keep users more aware of what is happening worldwide. TikTok also gives space for a diverse range of voices. Activists, educators, witnesses, and journalists can share their unique perspectives, which traditional news sources may not provide. This diversity can broaden people’s understanding of an issue and promote awareness of social problems that may be overlooked by mainstream news sources.
Despite the strengths, a major weakness is the fast spread of misinformation. Videos from Tik Tok are often sensationalized or can trigger certain individuals with controversial takes or show highly emotional content. These videos go viral despite the content often containing exaggerated or false information. Most creators are not trained journalists and could unintentionally, or intentionally, spin information to gain views. Without any fact-checking tools built into the platform, users are easily misled to believe rumors over verified information. Since TikTok curates a “For You Page” based on the type of videos the user spends the most time on, it can create a bubble of one-sided information, making it difficult for viewers to distinguish between verified information or manipulative content.
The app does not have to be an unreliable news source as long as users digest the information critically. It is important to check the course of the news, verify the news with various outlets, if the news sounds extreme, and follow reputable sources. There are qualified individuals who are creators on TikTok who will provide genuine information, and it is best to digest information from these creators.
TikTok has changed the way individuals, specifically the younger generation, consume news. It can be a powerful tool that is highly accessible and increases awareness, but it also spreads misinformation at high speeds. In a world where information is everywhere, learning to separate fact from fiction is more important than ever, and TikTok is no exception.