WITH recent polls showing overwhelming support for Scottish independence among Scotland’s younger generations the ability to get messages across to this group could be crucial in the next referendum.
One answer could be the video platform TikTok, which allows users to upload their own short-form videos, and which is the fastest growing social media network in history, booming in popularity amid the first lockdown.
And its content is far from pedestrian, with political messaging trending daily.
“I think one of the reasons it’s become so politicised is because it’s used primarily by the under-25s,” suggests Dr Catherine Happer, deputy director of the Glasgow University Media Group. “What we are seeing is a really highly politicised group of young people.”
The sociologist notes a recent study in Lancet Planetary Health, showing that 75% of people aged 16-25 are fearful of the future.
READ MORE: The lessons the Scottish independence movement should learn from TikTok
“It’s worrying, I think, but very indicative of a group of young people who are frustrated, who are angry and have every right to be … because the nature of politics has reduced opportunities for young people.
“So if you’re looking at a platform used primarily by young people, then naturally it’s going to reflect things they are interested in, like politics.”
Despite her online presence, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is not on TikTok and there are no plans for an official Yes account. Could it be that the Yes movement is missing a trick?
Dr Victoria Esteves, a creative industries lecturer at the University of Stirling, thinks so.
“Everyone’s stuck at home, with this deep desire for connection with fellow humans, and the only way to do it is through phones and being entertained,” she said.
However, as part of the appeal of TikTok is the organic and genuine content created by users, some believe an official account could be counter-productive.
“I think what distinguishes TikTok from platforms like Twitter is you can’t garner support by operating on an anonymous troll profile. Those voices are practically absent on TikTok because viewers can suss out pretty quickly if you’re authentic or if it’s performative,” said Scottish TikTok user Marcus Mcluskey.
READ MORE: TikTok, young people, and lessons for the Scottish independence movement
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel