Abstract:

Like other social media platforms, TikTok is a third place allowing individuals to freely speak on their beliefs and ideologies, this has transformed the way people advocate and voice beliefs on particular racial issues such as Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate. Awareness of racial issues is encouraged by the network public within the TikTok platform through hashtags and algorithms but in addition counterarguments argue that algorithms cause a sense of bias through echo chambers. TikTok online communities have allowed numerous support of minority groups discriminated against in society, through different forms such as fundraisers, a voice on social media, and the formation of protests all around the world. TikTok has enabled a global reach unlike traditional methods of activism where it would reach a small community or state level. Overall, TikTok has positively enabled a voice and third place for activists and individuals to raise awareness on important racial issues that are still appears in society today.

Introduction:

TikTok has become one of the most used social media platforms in the world, due to various strategies to satisfy their users (Wang, 2022). Short videos and participatory culture have appealed to many people worldwide and have allowed the development of awareness of racial issues within society through a third place (Wang, 2022 & Montag, et al., 2021). The popularity of TikTok has influenced everyday individuals to also participate within this platform, whether it’s through commenting or creating videos of their own, social media platforms have also created a third place allowing people to voice their beliefs and opinions to the world (Wang, 2022). This leads to important concepts such as racial discrimination and stereotyping, although there are many instances in society and in the online community where racial discrimination occurs, platforms such as TikTok allow positive awareness of important issues through an online community. Although social media platforms generate important discussions on issues such as racial discrimination, it allows people to spread awareness on such issues that not only occur within the online platform (Lee & Abidin, 2023). Therefore, TikTok has reconstructed the way people in society can participate in spreading awareness on important racial issues such as Black Lives Matter and #Stop Asian Hate (Lee & Abidin, 2023).

 

Network publics, echo chambers, and participatory culture are important concepts to consider when focusing on how TikTok distributes videos and the advantage of algorithms spreading awareness of social issues. Social media, particularly TikTok, has developed into a platform that is primarily based on consumer participation to create content and allow a voice to the unheard through network publics (Pearce & Rodgers, 2020). The development of this participatory culture and network publics have enabled individual beliefs, political views, and values to be addressed through different forms of participation, whether it’s comments, likes, shares, or the creation of TikTok videos (Hautea, et al., 2021). Although there are many incidents of online bullies and racial discrimination on TikTok, this is important to understand, there are many instances where social media being a third place has allowed individuals around the world to create an online community to promote awareness on racial issues within society. For example, TikTok is the third place that promoted awareness of movements including Black Lives Matter and #StopAsianHate. When discussing network publics it’s also important to identify echo chambers that lie within the algorithm of TikTok and how this affects users. Echo chambers, are influential but also have an aspect of bias through algorithms which limits the ability to have a neutral outlook and to consider other stances rather than the algorithm remaining on a particular stance (Montag, et al., 2021). Traditionally, methods of communication for racial awareness included flyers, posters, and word of mouth rather than current methods of communication and awareness through platforms such as TikTok. Network publics are important for the creation and distribution of TikTok videos, the use of hashtags ensures that the video’s exposure reaches the intended target audience for example, #BLM and #StopAsianHate (Hautea, et al., 2021). For example, TikTok has been used by many to share their beliefs on racial issues such as the Black Lives Matter Movement which started with the broadcast of a video of Police officers in America mistreating George Floyd due to racial discrimination, generating worldwide reach through TikTok and developed into a huge movement (Watson, et al., 2020). This video circulated on TikTok and many other social media platforms, which started numerous conversations about racial discrimination issues in society and resulted in the formation of police brutality protests all over the world (Pearce & Rodgers, 2020 & Watson, et al., 2020). Racial discrimination has been embedded in society for many years, and unfortunately, it is still very prominent. When considering the differences between racial discrimination in the ‘real world’ through face-to-face communication and the online third place. The main difference is the ability to hide your identity through profiles. The ease of racial discrimination on TikTok would be due to the ability to create an anonymous profile and freedom of speech, with limited repercussions for their actions. Although TikTok has allowed a place for people to voice beliefs and issues, it also has exacerbated the racial discrimination issue, as people can stay anonymous in the third place.

 

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement began in 2013, after an incident in America with George Zimmerman murdering Trayvon Martin which resulted in the formation of the Black Lives Matter movement (Azevedo, et al., 2022). Originating in America and supporting the African American community the BLM movement was an important movement that progressed societies not only in America but all over the world to form protests and create awareness on important societal issues specifically racial discrimination (Azevedo, et al., 2022 & Chaudhary & Richardson Jr, 2022). The movement highlights racial discrimination and violence towards African Americans by American Police, in the past there have been multiple different methods that have caused serious injuries and even death of protestors and minority groups specifically by American Police (Chaudhary & Richardson Jr, 2022). When focusing on recent racial accounts in America, one that appeared on TikTok, was the tragic death of George Floyd, which was caused by American Police brutality, where Floyd was arrested forcefully and Police kneeled into his neck, causing him to pass away (Silverstein, 2021 and Janfaza, 2020). The original video circulating on TikTok of the arrest of George Floyd influenced both TikTok users and influencers to use this platform to create a worldwide awareness of this movement (Janfaza, 2020). A video was filmed of this incident which circulated on TikTok in early 2020 during the Covid pandemic, circulating on many news outlets (Janfaza, 2020). The major growth in the use of social media platforms such as TikTok during this time was due to the Covid pandemic and lockdowns, which enabled the BLM movement to reach a larger audience and for people to raise awareness (Mann, et al., 2021). Whether it was through the formation of various Black Lives Matter movements around the world, raising money through GoFundMe pages for Floyd’s family, or just by reposting awareness videos to gain a larger reach (Domonicditanna, 2020 & Sincerely_lizz, 2023). Not only did influencers begin commenting on racial issues in America but individuals on TikTok also started spreading awareness, for example, the trend was changing your profile picture to the BLM logo, of the outlined fist in the air was significant to express your support on the current issues without speaking about it (Janfaza, 2020 & blacklivesmatter.profile, 2024). Unfortunately, Kelly et al. (2020) listed several people whose lives have also been lost due to the reoccurrence of American police brutality and discrimination against African American people. Although the BLM movement was significant in America it also sparked conversations in Australia, where many people also protested for Indigenous rights and the ‘Invasion Day’ protests (Henriques-Gomes & Visontay, 2020 & Domonicditanna, 2020). Although TikTok allows freedom of speech allowing racism to effortlessly appear in the third place, TikTok has allowed a positive impact on racial issues through community building on the third place.

 

#StopAsianHate is another anti-racial discrimination movement that circulated on TikTok, similar to the BLM movement, this stop Asian hate movement was important to raise awareness on racial issues against the Asian community in society. Similar to the impact of the BLM movement, the TikTok community raised issues with racial discrimination towards Asian cultures, forming an online community to raise awareness of these issues prevalent around the world, for example, ordinary people in society have been affected shown in Colemicek12 (2021) video. Zhou (2022) discusses the history of this movement which began in 2022 when an American shooting occurred murdering six innocent Asian women at spas in the Atlanta- area. This devastating incident inspired American citizens to participate in protests and petitions that proceeded after the incident. After these protests took off, they went onto social media platforms specifically TikTok, where many petitions and fundraisers were created and linked in bios and shared through stories allowing a global awareness of racial discrimination occurring. For example, a TikTok interview by Asianbossmedia (2020) asked questions such as ‘Where do you think the COVID-19 racism is coming from’ to an Asian-Americans, allowing an understanding of how it affects her. The hashtag #StopAsianHate, was an important network public for Asian discrimination on TikTok as it allowed an online community to work together to create a support system and stand up for those voices who are unheard and silenced in society which appears in many videos across TikTok for example Ianboggs (2021) video on Stop Asian Hate (Zeng & Tao, 2023). Lee & Lee (2023) discuss various network publics specifically hashtags that represent anti-Asian discrimination, including #StopAsianHate as discussed above, #AsianLivesMatter that derived from #BlackLivesMatter, and #ProtectAsianLives to name a few. Although hashtags such as #StopAsianHate allow important awareness and discussions about Asian discrimination in society, there are also other hashtags such as #Chinesevirus throughout the Covid Pandemic, which discriminate against Asian cultures and is why movements such as Stop Asian Hate are there to defend innocent people from online and in-person bullies (Cao, 2021 & Mathews, 2023). During and after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, there was an incredible impact on our Asian communities, all over the world there was a significant increase in violence and discriminatory acts towards Asian communities in society (Kantamneni, 2020). COVID-19 impacted not only individuals in the Asian community all over the world but also their businesses, for example, some were vandalized and robbed, and individuals were threatened in many ways by racist individuals in society (Lee & Lee, 2023 & Liu, et al., 2020). COVID-19 being called the ‘Asian disease’ was another example of racial discrimination that occurred throughout the Covid pandemic because the origin of the outbreak was in China (Cao, 2021). TikTok throughout the COVID-19 pandemic was important to spread awareness whilst people all over the world were dealing with social distancing and lockdown, therefore limiting face-to-face interactions, resulting in the reassurance that social media can keep people occupied and up to date while struggling with restrictions. Therefore, the COVID-19 Pandemic allowed social media platforms such as TikTok to spread awareness and enable people in society to simply participate in raising awareness of these important racial issues prevalent in society today (Mathews, 2023).

Counter Argument:

TikTok as discussed has assisted positively with anti-racial discrimination movements through various examples such as the Black Lives Matter Movement and #StopAsianHate. Social media also has its fair share of counterarguments on the idea that engagement and participation in anti-racial discrimination is dependent on its algorithm and the beliefs and ideologies of the users. Ionescu & Licu (2023), discuss how TikTok’s algorithms are determined by the user’s behaviour and engagement with videos emerging on them for you pages, the algorithms then personalize the videos appearing on the user’s TikTok account. The absence of video variety causes algorithms on TikTok to create a biased view, due to limiting views and beliefs conflicting with those that align with the users, this is the negative impact of echo chambers (Ionescu & Licu, 2023). In addition, algorithms can also cause limited reach as the awareness of these movements is dependent on the success of the videos and whether people are interested in making changes in society, by sharing them and advocating, without this reach it is limited due to algorithmic pressures (Ionescu & Licu, 2023). TikTok predominantly promotes short videos, which restrict longer and more important discussions on issues such as racial discrimination still prevalent in society today (Savic, 2021). Although TikTok allows the opportunity to generate a positive awareness of anti-racial discrimination movements, this is only the ground level, more needs to be done in society to create change, whether it’s protesting, or donating money to organizations supporting these minority groups to make a change.

 

Overall, TikTok has allowed positive change on racial issues in society specifically focusing on Black Lives Matter and #StopAsianHate. Although there are many racial instances against minority groups in the third place, TikTok also allows the creation of a community inspiring people all over the world to join in. Network publics have assisted algorithms in determining who their intended target audiences are and therefore building a like-minded community and opening important discussions and support for minority groups in society. Incidents like George Floyd’s passing have allowed the important spark to start these conversations and have developed new movements which have increased its reach through TikTok. Therefore, the combination of network publics, echo chambers, and third place has allowed positive change on racial issues through people in society participating and engaging in this online community.

 

REFERENCES:

Asianbossmedia. (2020, September 10). Asian Americans speaking about COVID-19 racism. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@asianbossmedia/video/6870696209804168449?q=covid%20and%20asian%20hate&t=1712193078876

Azevedo, F., Marques, T., & Micheli, L. (2022). In pursuit of racial equality: Identifying the determinants of support for the Black Lives Matter movement with a systematic review and multiple meta-analyses. Perspectives on Politics, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1537592722001098

Blacklivesmatter.profile. (2024). TikTok Profile picture examples of the Black Lives Matter Movement. April 4, 2024, https://www.tiktok.com/@blacklivesmatter.profile

Cao, X. (2021). Discrimination and Hate Crimes Against Asian People Under COVID-19. In 2021 4th International Conference on Humanities Education and Social Sciences (ICHESS 2021) (pp. 1998-2002). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.211220.342

Colemicek12. (2021, February 27). Personal experience with Asian discrimination. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@colemicek12/video/6933731525766712581?q=%23stopasianhate&t=1712191477452

Chaudhary, M. J., & Richardson Jr, J. (2022). Violence against Black Lives Matter protestors: a review. Current trauma reports, 8(3), 96-104. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-022-00228-2

Domonicditanna. (2020, May 21). Protests for Black Lives Matter in LA. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@dominicditanna/video/6833095321317362949?q=%23blm&t=1712189827108

Hautea, S., Parks, P., Takahashi, B., & Zeng, J. (2021). Showing they care (or don’t): Affective publics and ambivalent climate activism on TikTok. Social media+ society, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051211012344

Henriques-Gomes, L., & Visontay, E. (2020, June 7). Australian Black Lives Matter protests: tens of thousands demand end to Indigenous deaths in custody. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/06/australian-black-lives-matter-protests-tens-of-thousands-demand-end-to-indigenous-deaths-in-custody

Ianboggs. (2021, March 20). Spreading awareness on Asian hate due to COVID-19. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@ianboggs/video/6941504609852640517?q=covid%20and%20asian%20hate&t=1712193078876

Janfaza, R. (2020, June 4). TikTok serves as hub for #blacklivesmatter activism. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/04/politics/tik-tok-black-lives-matter/index.html

Kantamneni, N. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marginalized populations in the United States: A research agenda. Journal of vocational behavior. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103439

Kelly, S., Jérémie‐Brink, G., Chambers, A. L., & Smith‐Bynum, M. A. (2020). The Black Lives Matter movement: A call to action for couple and family therapists. Family Process, 59(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12614

Lee, J., & Abidin, C. (2023). Introduction to the Special Issue of “TikTok and Social Movements”. Social Media + Society, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051231157452

Lee, J. J., & Lee, J. (2023). # StopAsianHate on TikTok: Asian/American Women’s Space-Making for Spearheading Counter-Narratives and Forming an Ad Hoc Asian Community. Social Media+ Society, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051231157598

Liu, Y., Lee, J. M., & Lee, C. (2020). The challenges and opportunities of a global health crisis: the management and business implications of COVID-19 from an Asian perspective. Asian Business & Management, 19, 277-297. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41291-020-00119-x

Ionescu, C. G., & Licu, M. (2023). Are TikTok Algorithms Influencing Users’ Self-Perceived Identities and Personal Values? A Mini Review. Social Sciences, 12(8), 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12080465

Mathews, C. J. (2023). New directions in ethnic-racial identity and critical consciousness development: Contextual considerations in the aftermath of COVID-19. Current Opinion in Psychology, 101649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101649

Mann, M., Byun, S. E., & Ginder, W. (2021). B corps’ social media communications during the COVID-19 pandemic: through the lens of the triple bottom line. Sustainability, 13(17). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179634

Montag, C., Yang, H., & Elhai, J. D. (2021). On the psychology of TikTok use: A first glimpse from empirical findings. Frontiers in public health. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.641673

Pearce, S. C., & Rodgers, J. (2020). Social media as public journalism? Protest reporting in the digital era. Sociology Compass, 14(12), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.12823

Savic, M. (2021). Research perspectives on TikTok & its legacy apps| from musical. ly to TikTok: Social construction of 2020’s Most downloaded short-video app. International Journal of Communication, 15, 22. https://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/view/14543

Silverstein, J. (2021, June 4). The Global Impact of George Floyd: How Black Lives Matter Protests Shaped Movements around the World. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/george-floyd-black-lives-matter-impact/

Sincerely_lizz. (2023, January 11). BLM fundraisers. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@sincerely_lizz/video/7187119334261542187?q=black%20live%20matter%20fundraiser&t=1712190410261

Wang, Y. (2022). A review of reasons for TikTok’s global surge: In 2021 International Conference on Social Development and Media Communication. Atlantis Press, 588-591. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.220105.107Watson, M. F., Turner, W. L., & Hines, P. M. (2020). Black lives matter: We are in the same storm but we are not in the same boat. Family process, 59(4), 1362-1373. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12613

Zeng, Z., & Tao, J. (2023). Business history and social media: A concise review. Management & Organizational History, 18(1), 24-30. https://doi.org/10.1080/17449359.2023.2177675

Zhou, L. (2022, March 15). The Stop Asian Hate movement is at a crossroads. Vox. https://www.vox.com/22820364/stop-asian-hate-movement-atlanta-shootings