The Influence of TikTok among the Generation Z

A research conducted by:

Argana, Chelsea

Baraquel, Elliz Janina

Bajado, Regie

Barrios, Julia Bernadette Francesca

Bautista, Carl Joshua

Bunol, Jenifer

Calabon, Ma. Ysabel

Dacillo, Ma. Patricia

Decorina, John Paul

Del Castillo, Shane Candy

Ricafranca, Angel

Villamin, Patrick

BA Communication 2J
Introduction

People nowadays tend to use technological devices not only for communication but also

for entertainment. During this pandemic, Tiktok is one of the social media platforms that gains

popularity to the masses. It is a Chinese social media platform that is generally for video-sharing.

The said app undergoes an agreement to merge with Musical.ly. The extensive usage of this app

generates mixed emotions for the general users. People are fond of entertainment; users and

viewers interact with the videos posted and exchange opinions on various categories. On the

other hand, entertainment must come with an extra care and responsibility as a user and viewer.

With 500 million active users worldwide, TIKTOK became the fastest-growing social

media platform in history and is still the most downloaded entertainment application. The

Philippines was ranked 11th for the country that downloaded TIKTOK the most, and it was

estimated that Filipinos may have downloaded it before the year 2020 due to the enjoyment it

provides. According to Forbes, over 60% of TIK TOK users are Gen Z; its algorithm keeps them

hooked. This platform allows users to share video content, connect with friends as well as

strangers, which acts as a source of entertainment. The year 2020 was not easy, but TIK TOK

was a bright point and created a bright spot in the year, displaying cheerfulness and inspiration

amid the COVID-19 virus lockdowns. This application may contain both upsides and downsides.

It cannot be denied that TIKTOK is a suitable medium for learning something new and making

new friends, as well as pleasing and amusing the young through comedy, sketches, and creative

dances, making it delightful to watch and utilize. Furthermore, it gives people more

self-assurance. However, as a result of its use, this app breeds hostility. It impacts the young,

destroying their lives; this app has progressed to the point of cyberbullying, uploading

inadequate and harmful content, exposing children to sexual predators, and infringing on their
privacy. Because there are no constraints or age limits on who can join TIKTOK, these strangers

could start something dangerous.

In this modern era where there is technological advancement, using social media apps,

mainly, TikTok influences us in many factors: First, in giving opinions. Tiktok is universal and

accessible for all; we can also watch a short clip about societal issues, politics, and other world

issues. By that, we gain knowledge to the point that it impacts our ideas about a sure thing.

Next, this TikTok application helps us to boost our confidence and skills. Some users use TikTok

to express their feelings and creativity; they practice and are good at dancing or singing.

Generation Z uses TikTok more often, and some of them influence them positively. On the other

hand, it is time consuming just like other social media apps because instead of doing something

productive, you’ll be hooked on watching, and on the other side it causes terrible effects like

bullying, depression due to anxiety triggers, and many more. As we can see, TikTok is rampant.

It influences our beliefs and standpoints. Sometimes, TikTok helps us in our study, but we can't

stop the fake news here; we should observe and think before we react to avoid misunderstanding.

Statement of the Problem

TikTok is used to create a range of short clips ranging in length from fifteen seconds to one

minute, in genres such as entertainment, education, and dancing. TikTok gained popularity in

2019 and has continued to expand since then. Because of its brief movies that are easy to

consume, the app is very addictive, with users spending an average of 46 minutes per day on it.

Having millions of active users globally, it has swiftly become the most downloaded app on the

internet. TikTok has captivated the majority of the younger generation, with 90% of them using it

on a regular basis. However, the most pressing question appears to be whether or not this is a
good thing. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend how TikTok has played such an essential part

in the lives of young people.

Specifically, it aimed to answer the following.

1. To know how Tiktok and its contents influences the Gen Z’s

Data Analysis

The primary objective of this study is to know theInfluence of TikTok among Generation Z.

Based on the given data above, the result of the respondent’s answers in the first question of the

survey shows that 55.6% of the population spend 1-2 hours on Tiktok. While 22.2% of them use

the application for 3-4 hours a day. The rest of the result still contributes to the Influence despite

being equal in percentage.

In this graph, it is seen that 59.3% of the respondents answered that they only use Tiktok to

watch Tiktok contents. On the other hand, the percentile of those who answered both is 40.7% of
the population who are enjoying the features of creating content on the said platform and at the

same time they are also an audience.

According to the graph shown above, Funny/Memes got the highest percentage of 88.9% which

only shows that most of the respondents are interested in this topic. Secondly, both Dance Cover

and Beauty Lifestyle got the same number of responses (66.7%) which shows that these topics

are somewhat popular to this generation. Entertainment and Music also got the same counts of

59.3%, 29.6% answered Pep Talks/Tips and 22.2% answered Politics. While for others of 3.7%

they use Tiktok to watch ML Highlights, Motivational, and Christian Talks.

How has TikTok influenced you? ( You can write 1-2 sentences)

According to the survey that we conducted, most of the users of TikTok have influenced their

moods as to how they are going to go on with their days because it is a form of entertainment for

them. It also influenced some to learn more about secular learning and life advice.
Describe your FYP.

The FYP of our respondents are different thus giving out that algorithms from TikTok vary

depending on the interests per user.

Conclusion

This study aims to provide a fundamental overview of TikTok users, a rising popular app.

The researchers calculated different percentages in different aspects utilizing an unstructured

interview using a Google form.The researchers agreed that the Tiktok application really had an

impact on Gen Z, ages ranging from 9 years old being the youngest age of our respondents and

24 years old being the eldest. Tiktok influence among Gen Z varies upon the age of the user.

Indeed, this is the time and day that most of us scroll online through various uses of

social media to defy and create influences in their lives whether it be their mood of the day,

educational related, lifestyle and love advice, and even someone’s creative outlet. Thus gives

everyone the idea that we must be careful with technology because it can really make or break a

person as a whole.