TikTok As a News Source
In today’s world, full of deception, lies, and manipulation, who should you trust with the news? Traditionally, mainstream media has been the main news source for millions of people. However with social media platforms becoming significant, particularly TikTok, there has been a large shift in where people get their news and information. Even with all the criticism TikTok has received from being an entertainment app for younger audiences, it has proved itself to be a effective news source and has shown many advantages over traditional media.
The Issue of Censorship
One of the main pros of getting your news from TikTok instead of traditional media is the problem with censorship. Mainstream media outlets are often criticized for missing or selectively reporting major events. For example, protests, conflicts, or government scandals are often showcased, and even twisted or ignored to align with government or corporate interests. This means viewers do not see the full reality of what is going on in the world.
However, on TikTok, the narrative is often less controlled because the platform is user-driven. Anyone can post videos and share their experiences directly. For example, during social tension, users have posted first-hand videos that expose the real situation when traditional media might try to manipulate the perspective to fit their or someone else’s narrative. These videos allow viewers to see the whole story and form their own opinions based on what they see.
America has attempted to ban and regulate TikTok. This is because it is one of the few major platforms not owned by an American company, therefore, it is not easily controlled. This independence from the U.S. government is why TikTok has remained such an open and transparent space for sharing information.
Who Controls Mainstream Media
To understand why censorship is so prevalent in mainstream media, it is important to know who owns and funds these news outlets. According to Jason White from Frugal Dad, today only 6 corporations own 90% of all mainstream media in the United States: Comcast, Walt Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Global, Sony, and Amazon. This concentration of media ownership is a huge shift from what it was just a few decades ago. In 1983 the same 90% of ownership was spread across 50 different companies.
The result of this is a media landscape controlled by a few powerful organizations that each have their own financial and political narratives to push. These companies rely heavily on funding from various stakeholders, and advertising, which influences the content they make. Stories that could ruin a sponsor’s reputation or expose corrupt practices are often underplayed or never reported at all. You don’t see this on TikTok because creators have no need to please corporations sponsors which leads to more honest and diverse reporting.
False Information: Both Sides of The Coin
People often argue that TikTok is a breeding ground for misinformation. While it is true that any platform can be misused, TikTok has a unique way of fact checking and correcting false information. Many creators on TikTok present accurate information, they often reference multiple articles or studies supporting their point. One of the best things about Tiktok is the ability of making complex topics into easily digestible content. This also makes news more accessible to viewers who don’t have the time to watch hour-long news segments. You can often also find creators collaborating with each other on topics. Mrs O’Neal a teacher at Oakmont stated, “I think that a person needs to use discernment when looking at TikTok, but I do feel like Tiktok has breaking news quicker than mainstream media.” News being released quicker means that viewers don’t have to wait as long and it takes up less of their day.
It is common for experts in fields like scientists, history, or politics to join the discussion. Compared to mainstream media where misleading information can also be spread intentionally, TikTok offers a form of crowd sourced verification that is very effective. A sophomore at Oakmont, Max Boudreau highlights this advantage, stating, “Mainstream media doesn’t always get all the details. TikTok is also easier to digest than mainstream media because it’s in video format. And for me personally, that is better because nobody wants to read anything anymore— they want to watch videos.”
Quick and Digestible Information
Another feature of TikTok, is its ability to present news in a way that is quick and easy to understand. News on TikTok comes in short, summarized videos often backed up by visual evidence or references from multiple studies. This is very useful in a world where people are very busy and prefer consuming content in small manageable chunks.
Bryce Duval, a sophomore at Oakmont and devoted TikTok user explains why this format is more appealing “Kids don’t want to sit and watch the same person talk all day about one subject. On TikTok you can see something new every second.” This constant feed of new and diverse content makes Tiktok a more engaging platform for the news, Mason Allain, a sophomore at Monty Tech adds, “The best part of TikTok is how real it feels. You can find people who were actually there, recording what happened, instead of hearing it secondhand from someone who wasn’t.”
Mainstream media often stretches news stories to fit time slots or publish long articles filled with complicated words and language which can confuse readers. On TikTok everything is concise, often breaking down complicated issues into easier terms, making news more relatable. This not only saves time but also helps viewers understand complicated situations.
The Struggle For Control
TikTok has been the focus of intense debate and discussion about regulation in the United States. The app’s growing influence has made it a target, with many politicians calling for its ban. Part of this is because of its lack of censorship. Unlike other social media platforms which are subject to influence of governments and corporations, TikTok has few restrictions, allowing uncensored content and many viewpoints.
This independence is why many think it has the potential to disrupt traditional media. The government’s attempt to ban it could be seen as an effort to maintain power and control over the people. By keeping TikTok in check the government aims to limit the spread of news that challenges their narratives or exposes inconvenient truths. For many people TikTok’s lack of regulation is seen as more trustworthy since it is less manipulated.
