TikTok is everywhere…
TikTok has been making headlines – from changes in US ownership to staff cuts where AI is replacing human moderators. With questions over safety and governance, the debate around TikTok is bigger than ever.
Over the last year, we’ve asked people what they think of social media and produced Vox Pops to communicate their responses. Each time, TikTok came up – whether we were asking about daily media habits, children’s safety, or whether under-16s should be banned altogether. Put side by side, these opinions show just how conflicted people are about the app.
Continue reading to explore the videos and insights…
#1 – Is it part of people’s day-to-day?
“We get news on TikTok. It’s quick and easy.”
Every respondent we spoke to said they use TikTok. It’s not just about funny videos anymore – it’s where people go for news. That dependency raises a question: how much should we trust a platform that’s under constant political and regulatory scrutiny?
#2 – Is it dangerous?
“They can come across content they don’t need to see when they’re that young.”
“Too easily children and people see things they shouldn’t see.”
Concerns about children dominated our conversations. People described TikTok as too open, too fast-moving, and too hard to control. Harmful content, body image pressure, and slow reactions to take things down were all raised as risks.
#3 – Should children be banned?
“It should be much more moderated. The content can be shocking.”
“Detrimental for children to see such strict body and beauty expectations.”
“The idea of the Chinese version of TikTok that is science and educational based is a great idea for children.”
The debate quickly turned into whether young people should be on the platform at all. For some, tighter moderation is enough. For others, the risks are so severe that children shouldn’t be allowed on TikTok until they’re older. Either way, few were comfortable with the status quo.
What’s next?
Layer these voices against the backdrop of TikTok’s shifting future: the US taking ownership, moderators being replaced by AI, and warnings about harmful content slipping through.
TikTok is evolving at speed – but so are the concerns about how it shapes our news, our children, and our culture.
Closing thought:
The story of TikTok is really the story of the digital age. People depend on platforms like it for news, inspiration, even education. But with that dependency comes a tension: how do we balance the speed and reach of digital with the risks of misinformation, harmful content, and shifting ownership?
Our Vox Pops show that people aren’t blind to those risks. They value TikTok, but they also question it – especially when it comes to children and trust. As the platform evolves, so will the way we all navigate what we see on our screens.
Did you know?
At Vox Pops International, we specialise in capturing real voices and real stories. Whether for research and insight, sales and marketing, PR or comms, we make video that brings the consumer perspective to life.
Through our monthly Vox Pops Pool, you can add bespoke questions and receive quick-turnaround edits to use in research, internal comms, sales and social media. If you’d like to add your own questions to the Pool, or if you’d like to know more, we’d love to hear from you.
Jump Into The Pool
Written By
Frankie Dove
Client Engagement & Marketing Lead
