Why did TikTok Become Gen Z’s Search Engine?
In recent years, the way people search for information has changed significantly. The rapid growth of social media platforms has transformed the search experience by offering quick, visual, and personalized content. Among these platforms, according to the Fix article TikTok has emerged as a go-to source for information, especially for Generation Z.
This generation prefers dynamic and interactive experiences over static ones, making TikTok more than just an entertainment platform for them. The days of relying solely on search engines like Google and libraries are slowly disappearing.
One of the primary reasons Gen Z prefers TikTok as a search engine is the vast variety of content it offers. Unlike traditional search engines that mainly provide text-based links, TikTok presents information in short-form video format, making it more personalized and engaging. This unique approach allows users to access multiple sources for their questions easily.
For Generation Z, who have grown up in the digital age, TikTok is a familiar and effective platform. The content available on TikTok covers a wide variety of topics, including tutorials, life hacks, and in-depth explorations of different interests. Users can find videos on everything from quick meal preparation and study tips to product reviews. TikTok’s algorithm curates personalized feeds, presenting users with content based on their previous interactions, which makes the information they encounter highly relevant and tailored to their interests.
Another reason TikTok works for Gen Z is the trust they place in its content. Many users feel a connection with creators who share relatable, real-life experiences. This authenticity makes TikTok seem more trustworthy than traditional sources, which often feel distant or impersonal. While misinformation is a concern, Gen Z often balances this by cross-checking facts or consulting multiple sources.
Rania is one of Gen z, she said that ‘She thinks that most of the gen z can’t stand reading for hours or watching long videos to get information, Tiktok provide really short videos which is good for people that can be distracted easily, also she read in an article that most of gen z suffer from shrinking attention span (Snow, 2023), that make them struggle to finish movies or the books they read overall TikTok is the only platform that catch their attention, and seems to be customized to their needs’’.
In conclusion, TikTok has changed the way Generation Z searches for information. Its fast-paced, engaging format, relatable creators, and authentic content make it an ideal platform for a generation that values speed, simplicity, and trust. As search habits continue to evolve, TikTok’s influence on how we consume information is undeniable.
References:
Marzano, E. (2024, 11 1). Retrieved from The Fix: https://thefix.media/2024/11/1/relatable-real-raw-tiktoks-power-in-news-for-gen-z
Snow, S. (2023, January 16). Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/shanesnow/2023/01/16/science-shows-humans-have-massive-capacity-for-sustained-attention-and-storytelling-unlocks-it/?sh=729b67281a38
Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab
Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita
