Tech News Summary:
- Young people are turning to TikTok for news, with 44% of 18-24 year olds using the app and 20% specifically for news. However, they tend to trust celebrities and influencers over journalists and media companies.
- Facebook’s use as a news source has declined, as audiences selectively avoid negative stories. This shift in behavior has implications for civic and democratic engagement.
- Trust in news has fallen, with people struggling to distinguish real from fake news online. Traditional media outlets need to adapt their offerings for younger generations who avoid direct discovery of news.
In recent years, social media platforms have become an essential source of news and information, and TikTok is no exception. The app, which is known for its short-form video content, has been revolutionizing the way news is delivered and consumed. With over 1 billion active users worldwide, it has become a popular platform for journalists to share breaking news, offer commentary, and report on current events.
While traditional news outlets tend to rely on lengthy articles and videos, TikTok has a more direct approach to delivering news. Its short-form videos, which can be as short as 15-seconds, are designed to capture viewers’ attention quickly and effectively. Moreover, since TikTok’s content primarily comes from users, it’s more raw and engaging than traditional news media.
Many journalists and news organizations have seized on the opportunity TikTok provides. In recent months, we have seen many news outlets use the app to cover everything from the Black Lives Matter protests to the COVID-19 pandemic. And these videos aren’t just feel-good stories or viral dance trends – they contain crucial information and incisive analysis.
For example, when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in early 2020, TikTok became a useful tool for disseminating information. Doctors and other medical experts began using the app to provide clear, concise, and reliable information about how to stay safe and healthy during the outbreak.
Moreover, TikTok has helped to amplify voices that might have been ignored by traditional news outlets. For instance, during the Black Lives Matter protests, many young and diverse voices used the app to share their experiences and insights. Their videos quickly went viral and helped to shape the national conversation about racism and police brutality.
Overall, TikTok’s influence on journalism is set to grow in the coming years. The platform offers a new way for journalists to connect with audiences and deliver news in a compelling and engaging way. As a result, we are likely to see more news organizations invest in TikTok and more journalists incorporate it into their daily work.