This video shows how TikTok trends grow over time, with a large number of users interacting with and recreating the same content. It highlights how popular trends spread quickly through the platform, encouraging more users to participate and engage.
Hi Lilly, I really enjoyed your presentation, well done! As per our assignment requirements, I do have a few questions for you:
Q1)
Your presentation says TikTok connects people through shared interests instead of existing friendships, making it easier for fan communities to grow. Bucher and Helmond (2018) discuss the difference between broad platform possibilities (high-level affordances) and the specific features that enable them (low-level affordances).
With that in mind, do you think TikTok just helps fan communities form, or does it also shape what those communities look like? For example, could the For You Page algorithm that brings fans together also split them up or limit them in ways you didn’t discuss?
Q2)
You use Zhang’s framework to say fans on TikTok are active and engaged, using the platform to express themselves and feel a sense of belonging. But you also mention that users (especially creators) follow trends and repeat content to stay visible. It makes me wonder, how independent is their participation really? If people are copying the same sounds, formats, and trends, are they truly being active, or just following the algorithm?
Using Zulli and Zulli’s (2022) idea of “mimetic participation” (where people connect by imitating each other), do you think there’s a real difference between genuine community participation and just conforming to what the algorithm rewards?
Q3
Your case study looks at TikTok fan communities in general (how people connect through edits, hashtags, comments, and trends). Zhang (2016) separates “fandom communities” (long-term, close-knit groups with shared identity) from “fandom publics” (more temporary, large groups that form around moments or topics).
Based on what you found, do you think TikTok fans are more like communities or publics? And does that change depending on the type of fandom, for example, a specific group like a K-pop fandom versus a broader trend-based group?
I look forward to hearing your responses in part 2!
– Meg
Leave a Reply