TikTok has become one of the most successful apps in the world. With a largely dominated Gen Z user base, its main intent is to share fun-filled short videos about absolutely anything. From cooking tutorials to epic fails, the social media phenomenon has taken the world by storm. I’m sure we have all seen or attempted a “TikTok dance” once in our lives… whether we would like to admit it or not. But as TikTok’s audience continues to grow, so does its video content. The free-to-use app has now transformed into a key tool for activism and spreading awareness amongst its community. Previously, making videos was reserved for a few with the skills and software however now there are online video editor tools that empower anyone to produce great video content for free. TikTok is one of them.
You may have noticed that TikTok is not just trending dance challenges anymore as teens are now talking about racism, gun violence, encouraging viewers to stay home through global pandemics and celebrating Pride on the app. TikTok videos have encouraged millennials to learn about social justice, politics and current news, sharing their powerful knowledge with friends, family and followers. Brands are also now taking advantage of the video app by tailoring their video marketing messages towards many different movements, such as Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ activism to educate others via the app. In saying this, seventy-six percent of Gen Z said brands “have a duty to help make a difference in the world” through educating and spreading awareness via video marketing.
By viewing this new era of video content, it’s seen that the Gen Z community is highly motivated and not afraid to speak up to share their views on social responsibility and diversity. Whether it’s controversial or not, Gen Z will not be silenced as they are the most diverse generation to date. So let’s dive a little deeper into what political and civil rights movements Gen Z is talking about on TikTok right now.
Donald Trump’s Tulsa Rally
Activism on TikTok is an outlet for millennials to have a voice to make a difference. TikTok teens and K-pop fans teamed up to take a stand against Donald Trump in June 2020. Trump’s campaign promised huge crowds at his Tulsa, Oklahoma rally, but failed to deliver due to the false ticket reservations made by TikTokers. The former president was officially trolled by thousands. But this wasn’t just about trolling the former president for a laugh, each individual was taking a stand against the particular date the rally was taking place on, and the meaning behind it. TikToker Mary Jo Laupp, also known as #TikTokGrandma, shares her point of view on the matter.
EMBED:
@maryjo.laupp Did you know you can make sure there are empty seats at Trump’s rally? #BLM.
Black Lives Matter
TikTok users are generating social advocacy, providing tips on how to protest safely, sharing educational resources and speaking on racial injustice. This can be done purely by using a hashtag. #blacklivesmatter has generated over 25 billion views since the death of Goerge Floyd. TikTok is more than just a video sharing platform. It’s become a space for creators to share their personal experiences, thoughts, and to express themselves. In the case of #blacklivesmatter, it gave all users the chance to stand with and support the injustice within the Black community. Others have turned to the app to share about race and how being a person of colour has affected their lives. Tiktok has and continues to raise awareness around racial injustice.
EMBED:
@alex.stemp It will only get better with your help. Help me spread this message
##blacklivesmatter @specialkk415 @millaehline @kaylaqwest
♬ Childish Gambino – This Is America / Post Malone – Congratulations – carneyval
LGBTQ+ Community
Spreading acceptance is one of the most powerful tools TikTok has to offer. The platform provides LGBTQ+ teens an online space where they can feel safe to share and express their gender identity or sexuality. The LGBTQ atheletes and coaches have joined the trend by creating a TikTok account in partnership with the Sports Equality Foundation. In just eleven days, @sportsequalityfdn gained 5200 followers and over 65.5 thousands likes. To date, the account now has over 147.5 thousand likes. These athletes want to share their story, success and meaningful messages to their audience and inspire other closeted athletes. TikTok is forever making unspoken topics, spoken about with the help of Gen Z. TikToker and college wrestler Mack Beggs joined the new trend to advocate for the trans community in sports.
EMBED:
@sportsequalityfdn I Am – Episode 6 ##alphabetmafia ##transathlete ##gaytiktok ##sportsequality
Gen Z is creating multiple movements through an everyday video-sharing app and recognizing the increasing power they hold. It’s pure genius. Users can scroll on TikTok for hours without losing focus, whether it’s before bed, a long haul trip or just waiting for your cake to rise, we’ve all done it. So why not throw in some educational videos amongst the sea of dance challenges? It seems to be the new form of today’s activism.
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