Users Are Increasingly Using Social Media Platforms For News and Information
https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/tech-news-briefing/tiktok-is-the-new-google-for-some-young-people/e149024d-e422-4a36-9c0b-3b33fc5df1a6?mod=Searchresults_pos3&page=1
Google, and other trusted news sources, have been where people typically find how-to tutorials, the latest breaking news, and other information. However, with the emergence of Tik Tok, a video-based social media platform, users are now turning to Tik Tok to find this information. In today’s world, users are focused on convenience, so when they can find all the information they need in quick 60-second videos, they will choose that platform over ones like Google, where they may have to search and read many different articles to find the information they are looking for. This, however, may be a problem when it comes to accuracy. The Tik Tok algorithm shows users videos they may be interested in based on their previous interactions on the platform, but it doesn’t take into account accuracy. This may be harmless when users watch dancing videos or search for a funny trend, but it can be dangerous. For example, one user posted a “life-hack” video about how to keep avocados fresh, when in reality the technique used can be really damaging to people’s health, and is not recommended by the FDA. When using video-based social media apps like Tik Tok, users feel as though they know their favorite creators, and may trust them as they would a close friend, which can become dangerous.
How people communicate and view one another on platforms like this is very interesting. In the real world, there is a paradox that occurs where most life-changing opportunities come from people we don’t know very well. This occurs because all of your close friends will have access to the same connections and information. However, when you communicate with someone outside of your close circle of friends, that person will have access to a new set of information and connections that your close friends would not, exponentially increasing your reach. On platforms like Tik Tok, this phenomenon can be studied. When you see someone’s videos on Tik Tok, most likely that person is someone who lives in a completely different part of the country, or world, who you would never come in contact with otherwise. And with the large number of users on Tik Tok, you “get to know” a lot more of these types of people. These people will have information and connections that are outside the reach of your closest friends and family. So, by going on Tik Tok and interacting with these users who you may trust, but don’t know very well, you exponentially increase the amount of information available at your fingertips, some of which may be life-changing. It is very common for people to find jobs, internships, networking opportunities, and even apartments to rent just through Tik Tok because of the sheer amount of users, who all have access to their respective connections and information. This is why people are increasingly looking on Tik Tok for important information, rather than sites like Google or Wikipedia, even though the information may not be accurate.