In the 21st century, creativity and modern communication have transformed human culture into something fast, visual, and emotionally driven. At the heart of this change is the new generation — Generation Z and those coming after — whose way of life, language, and traditions have been deeply influenced by an app called TikTok. This platform has become more than just a place for entertainment; it is now a cultural archive, a platform for ideas, and a space where creativity is born. But the real question remains: Has TikTok harmed traditional culture, or has it created a new opportunity for youth to build their own?
First, TikTok has encouraged global cultural exchange. Popular content from South Korea (like K-pop and skincare routines), India (Bollywood dance), and Africa (Afrobeats, Amapiano) now travels across borders, reaching young people from every corner of the world. This shows how TikTok has broken national and cultural boundaries and built what we call hybrid cultures — a mix of global influences. It has helped increase understanding between different cultures and created respect among communities that might never have interacted without social media.
On the other hand, many critics argue that TikTok has led to a loss of depth in culture. When a 10-second video replaces a traditional song that once took hours to learn, the value of patience and meaning in cultural practices may be lost. Traditional poetry, cultural dances, or rituals are sometimes turned into short jokes or used only to go viral. This raises a tough question: Is TikTok making culture easier to share, or is it disrespecting its true roots?
At the same time, TikTok has empowered young people to create their own culture. The new generation follows a culture of creation — they don't wait for culture to come from above (like parents, teachers, or governments). Instead, they create, experiment, and share their ideas. From fashion trends to new dances and slang, they are forming their own digital subcultures. This proves that TikTok is not destroying culture — it is reshaping it and giving birth to many new styles of expression.
In the end, culture and TikTok are now deeply connected. If culture is the blood of society, TikTok is the new artery through which that blood flows. The right question is not whether TikTok is destroying culture — the right question is: How can we use TikTok to protect and grow culture in a responsible way? That’s why scholars, creators, and community leaders must learn how to use TikTok wisely — to spread values, beauty, and wisdom — instead of losing themselves in it.
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