Few can resist falling down the rabbit hole that is TikTok. On this social media platform, users can create short videos of almost anything they want as content creators and/or watch videos as general users. Users are then exposed to content based on the videos they’ve watched in the past, and they are more likely to be recommended videos that have been extensively viewed by others. Although TikTok is most commonly used by younger generations, it is gaining popularity among older adults who primarily enjoy watching videos. However, some are even becoming content creators─using the platform to promote positive perspectives on aging.
“Mature” content creators frequently share videos of their youth-centered lives and the fun they have as older adults, consequently shattering socially accepted negative stereotypes of aging. A recent study conducted in Singapore has even found that content creators over the age of 60 have created more than 1,382 videos, receiving over 3.5 billion views.
Among the many videos posted by mature content creators, users may come across videos posted by Grandma Droniak who gives advice that is not sugarcoated, Grandpa Chan who posts dance videos, and Babs (aka Nonna) who posts recipes and lifestyle videos. So the next time you’re on TikTok, consider checking out some of these videos. In doing so, you will be increasing the likelihood that others will be recommended these videos, ultimately helping to decrease negative perspectives of aging.
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