TikTok has become a household name that millions recognize. Whether you love the app, hate it or refuse to download it and get sucked into its addictive nature, TikTok has made a significant name for itself. 

While the app is mostly used for entertainment purposes, in recent years it has slowly evolved into something more. Emerging TikTok influencers and regular users have been using the app to spread awareness and knowledge about topics ranging from politics to global human rights issues. While this new surge of educational content is met with support from some TikTok users, there has also been a rise in arguments against it, especially regarding the rise of fake news.

While it might be true that open-source platforms — places where content is created and shared by anyone — can cause misinformation, I’d argue that apps like TikTok and Instagram can instead develop the next age of social technology by fostering new ways to connect and learn.

Different generations have grown to consume media in different ways. It wasn’t too long ago that the best way to learn about the world’s happenings was through the radio or a printed newspaper. Then, with the rise of new technology in the early 2000s, it was more common to tune into the right channel or read an online article. 

Now, I believe we’re witnessing another shift in how media is consumed: through real-time social media posts. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Twitter allow us to immediately know when things happen, reshaping how fast we stay informed about world events. Recent data highlights that TikTok’s use for news has seen an incredible increase, as it’s now used for news by eight times as many people in 2024 compared to 2020. This shift proves that people are increasingly tuning into these platforms for entertainment and to stay informed.

The appeal of TikTok is very simple. In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is everything. I go to Dunkin’ because it’s quicker than taking the train to Blank Street. I read on my Kindle because I don’t have time to go to a bookstore whenever I want a new book. I go on TikTok each morning because it’s faster than longer forms of entertainment and keeps me updated on the world’s happenings that I care about — which is far easier than finding a newspaper.

While this emphasis on convenience can sometimes be negative — Gen Z’s increasingly short attention span is a topic for another day — there’s something to be said for the appeal of concise, to-the-point information. Most of us are juggling school, a social life and sleep, which doesn’t give us much time to follow the vast amount of news. 

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Twitter thrive because they provide Gen Z with quick updates in a comprehensive and digestible way. And if I want to learn more, I have the ability to do a Google search to explore these topics further. Gen Z isn’t against staying informed; people like me with busy schedules just need information to fit within the fast pace of our daily lives.

The shift from long-form to short-form news is not something to be feared. We already see news outlets like Fox News, CNN and ABC steadily building their TikTok presence. Furthermore, we also see this in political campaigns aiming to connect with Gen Z, including presidential candidate Kamala Harris and how prevalent her TikTok platform was in the 2024 election cycle.

While older generations are quick to dismiss the impact of TikTok, labeling it as unnecessary or unreliable, this sentiment exists with every new wave of technology. Many see TikTok as frivolous; however, this is also how early Facebook and internet logs were once perceived. Just as these early platforms evolved into incredibly powerful digital tools, TikTok is also reshaping online culture. What many write off as trivial is actually key in news facilitation as topics from climate change to current elections are discussed. 

The concerns about misinformation and fake news that can be diffused through apps like TikTok are incredibly valid, however, this isn’t a new phenomenon. While today it’s misinformation and fake news, in the past, it was yellow journalism and propaganda. Just as previous generations learned how to gain genuine, insightful content through critical thinking and media literacy, we too can learn how to differentiate reliable news from unreliable sources. 

With strong media literacy, users will be able to navigate social media and identify credible parts effectively. Rather than discouraging engagement with these new forms of media, we should give people the tools to discern the truth from falsehood, proper media literacy and critical thinking being paramount.

Technology will continue to evolve in unpredictable ways. In the future, we may rely on artificial intelligence or virtual reality to gain media literacy and stay connected. Emerging digital media platforms are only the beginning of this shift toward faster and more accessible information. Instead of resisting new technology, we should prepare ourselves to adapt to it more responsibly.

By encouraging people to embrace new forms of social media rather than fear them, we are laying the foundation for a future where technological adaptation is celebrated. When users are empowered with the ability to make informed choices, recognize credible information and critically analyze content, these platforms can be used to create positive change, fostering a society that’s adaptable, well-informed and capable of navigating the evolving media landscape.

Shreya Pillamari is a second-year computer science and business administration combined major. She can be reached at [email protected].