Social Justice

Source : Dana Galo l Social Justice

Today, activism starts online, specifically on TikTok. TikTok can be silly and fun, but it also can be serious and poignant. TikTok users frequently make posts commenting on political and social issues in both humorous and thoughtful videos. Tiktok has rapidly become the go-to medium to spread information to the masses. Besides sabotaging Donald Trump’s rally in Oklahoma as a political stunt, Black Lives Matter was a huge topic across the app. Countless users demanded justice for Breonna Taylor and condemned police brutality, while others shared information and insight into how to be an ally. TikTok general manager Vanessa Pappas told CNN that the app evolves as the world we live in evolves and that TikTok is “an outlet for users to express themselves. This expression is often joyful, but our community is going through a time of particularly deep anguish and outrage, and much of the content on the app this week clearly reflects those experiences.”

TikTok is becoming a recognized force for political and social activism. U.S representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was quoted saying, “shout out to Zoomers, y’all make me so proud” in reference to the Gen-Z social media users who impacted Trump’s rally attendance.

Even brands like Chipotle have started their own social movements. In June of 2020, the popular fast food restaurant partnered with activist and television personality, Karamo, to celebrate Pride Month with a “Lunch and Listen” session on Chipotle’s official TikTok account. The session featured popular TikTok creators who discussed their experiences in the LGBTQ+ community with Karamo. Chipotle turned their platform into a resource for education and awareness, even donating $1 for every viewer that participated in the Lunch and Listen session to The Center for Black Equity, a global network for the Black LGBTQ+.

TikTok has become an effective platform for Gen Z to learn about social justice issues in a way that educates them beyond the classroom. Kids scrolling through their For You Pages can be exposed to real issues that they may not have been made aware of otherwise, and that's a really powerful tool. A huge trend currently on the app is exposing people for hate crimes and harassment through individuals recording their experiences being confronted and then sharing them on TikTok, where the algorithm places the content in front of millions. Not only does this start conversations, but actual change can be made. According to statistics from Marketing Dive’s “TikTok helps Gen Z Learn about Social Justice Issues, Study Finds,” Robert Williams reports that a recent survey by Reach3 Insights concluded that “three-quarters of Generation Z said TikTok has helped them to learn about social justice and politics, while the same number said the social video app helps them stay current on the news.” Social activism TikToks have “urged 54% of Gen Zers to engage in discussions with family and friends, 44% to sign petitions and 32% to educate themselves about something they saw on the app.” It's clear that TikTok is a platform that not only raises tremendous awareness, but also initiates action.