Over the past two years Tik Tok has become one of the most popular apps, some say it is the reincarnation of vine. I, myself am a very active user. I generally just post memories, and little compilations’ or funny videos and sometimes every now and then I feel a bit famous for a few seconds when the likes and views get going.
Hidden deep in TikTok’s algorithm there are tons of subgroups / cultures, little communities and niches. I’m not talking about dances or the Hype House but the non – traditional, separate from the mainstream content which can be categorised as “Straight or Elite” TikTok.
These subcultures have found a new home on the app, creating a wave of connectivity in a time of isolation. One particularly that stands out is the dating scene. To be specific the trend of “The first date” or in this time and era “The first hang out”. The video itself is simple, but has caused a huge reaction and birthed a general agreement that not all but many of us have been in this exact position.
To elaborate on this niche, it highly recognises our generations lack of commitment and has become highly fluid in terms of expectations, emotions and experiences. This itself has become a laughing stock and hence why the uprising of the dating Gen Z community.
I will be utilising ethnographic research skills such as problematising my media niche, researching for negative and positive aspects as this will help me broaden my understanding and be able to share with my audience. By being a member myself of this community niche, it will help me narrow down into specific topics and allow me to summarise the most useful information. To do this I will be looking into the aesthetic and coherent videos and themes I can evaluate the shifting traditions within dating for an older generation compared to now.
References
- foster the brand. 2021. Alt Tik Tok Analysis — foster the brand. [online] Available at: <https://www.fosterthebrand.com/tiktok> [Accessed 27 August 2021].
- Mintlounge. 2021. What is the future of dating for Gen Z?. [online] Available at: <https://lifestyle.livemint.com/relationships/it-s-complicated/what-is-the-future-of-dating-for-gen-z-111623911624133.html> [Accessed 27 August 2021].
- Vice.com. 2021. The Rules of Dating, According to Gen Z. [online] Available at: <https://www.vice.com/en/article/bv89pz/how-do-gen-z-date-sex-relationships> [Accessed 27 August 2021].
Trajectory 