cyber

Huang 1

Huang 12

Haoyu Huang

WRIT-1133

06/27/2022

Research Proposal

TikTok is a social media app that gained many users and attention in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. People have posted short clip videos with comedy, music, and lip-sinking messages through the platform. I chose the app because most of my friends and family are using the app, and I also understand how the platform works as an interactive and entertaining platform. I am looking forward to researching the TikTok app, its use, and the possible sustainability of the app as a site of entertainment or social interaction site (Roth et al. 3). Various apps have been developed and attract a limited number of users, and TikTok has experienced an immense increase in the number of users in a short period. The research question is, "what unique nature of interactions and relations does TikTok have that can make it applicable in teaching science topics to friends, family, and followers?" The question is critical because the accounts of individuals using the platform tend to have followers that enjoy the content through views, comments, and likes. There is a gap in using the TikTok app for productive and informative purposes (Zubenko). The research sub-questions related to the topic proposal include why the platform users create only entertainment content for followers and not educative content? What value can TikTok bring to the users by teaching science? How can TikTok use its influence to transform society through science? The research is essential in increasing my understanding of TikTok, which I have used for over two years and have solid experiences with, but there is a sense of uniqueness in how people love the platform, especially sharing the comedy skits, family sessions, and music dances among many more (Zubenko). I focus on understanding how the TikTok social platform can be leveraged for educational purposes, especially in targeting the science field.

There was a massive success for the TikTok account in sharing entertainment content and viral videos on misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The same formula applied in sharing the other content should be adopted by professionals teaching credible science to the population. The platform can significantly raise awareness and educate the public about critical science topics, especially on serious matters, including vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic was when the platform was misused to spread misleading information about the vaccines, leading to people avoiding participating in the vaccination exercise. There is a high possibility that the World Health Organization and health providers had a tough time trying to rule out the misinformation to assist the public in controlling the outbreak. So, the similar way that the misinformation was spread can be turned to be viral videos showcasing the positive and factual information about vaccines available, scientific aspects that matter to the population, and even prevention strategies for chronic illnesses that are a threat to the globe.

The app version of TikTok makes it possible to share educational content. Any educational activity is more likely to be successful if it is concise and engaging, especially in science, where students and content creators can showcase science experiments. Students frequently utilize writing services because they streamline the process of studying; similarly, social applications can have the same effect on education by rendering it user-friendly and easily accessible to all users (Montag et al. 2). Students would rather spend their time viewing engaging videos on the internet than listening to their professors for extended periods, which is why teachers can use TikTok to capture their students' attention, especially for science lessons that are more engaging and repeating the short video clip severally increases the retention rate and better understanding (Zeng et al. 15). Because of this, this software is a platform that has been very popular in the entertainment sector, but it can as well do better in science teaching

The target audience is primarily the young people (15-24) years, and the reason for this is that young people are among the leading content creators for the TikTok app and have more experience in explaining their perception of the increasing use of the platform for interaction purposes (Zeng et al. 15). The target group is mostly college students and those at their entry level in the workplace. They will gain information and knowledge if the TikTok platform is leveraged for educational purposes like offering science content for the entire population. The question will interest laymen and scholars because TikTok is a platform everyone uses despite their academic background (Marina and Demchenkova). The usability is quite simple, and it plays more of a social and entertaining site that should be leveraged to increase social interaction around the globe by making it a village where people from different geographical regions, different religions, and cultures interact through their content for awareness, educational and interaction purposes (Montag et al. 2). I consider the educational scholars as the group that I am interested in concerning the TikTok platform used in the academic field since the platform has an increasing use and can become a hub of science learning where the best scholars or students interact to gain knowledge and skills in science field or other fields. The platform would serve the content creators in the science field by being popular science tutors online and also earn income from it (Zeng et al. 15). The highlighted segments find the platform interesting to be part of, and learning about the underlying attractive nature of the app will be an exciting research journey.

Annotated Bibliography

Basch, Corey H. et al. "COVID-19 On Tiktok: Harnessing an Emerging Social Media Platform To Convey Important Public Health Messages". International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, vol 0, no. 0, 2020. Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2020-0111. Accessed 28 June 2022.

This research aimed to describe the COVID-19-related information that may be found on TikTok. The study incorporated 100 films that were shared online with the hashtag #COVID-19. Results indicated that more than one billion people had seen these videos, with quarantine and worry being the most frequently discussed themes. COVID-19 may be less severe in people under eighteen, but social isolation is still essential because transmission can occur even in those with no symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that teenagers use social media to stay in touch and have a good outlook. TikTok can address the COVID-19 epidemic in several ways and convey essential health information.

This is a trustworthy source because the authors are professionals in their fields, and their work does not conflict with each other. I will use the source to explain more about how the TikTok platform can play a role in educating users about science. This research focuses on TikTok's ability to convey health information and is critical to developing my thesis topic.

Bucknell Bossen, Christina, and Rita Kottasz. "Uses and Gratifications Sought By Pre-Adolescent and Adolescent Tiktok Consumers." Young Consumers, vol 21, no. 4, 2020, pp. 463-478. Emerald, https://doi.org/10.1108/yc-07-2020-1186. Accessed 28 June 2022.

This article investigated the uses and gratifications desired by the significant target demographic of a recently launched social media app called TikTok. Students at sixty different academic institutions across Denmark's five most critical administrative districts were given questionnaires to fill out independently. This study highlights the beneficial effects of social networking sites. TikTok users mainly explore this platform to achieve fame, express themselves, and find acknowledgment. This study also shows that the contributing rather than the participatory features of TikTok were preferred to cultivate and maintain relationships.

This is a credible source since it is a scholarly publication. The background section of my research proposal will be significantly impacted by incorporating this knowledge. I value the source, which would add value to my research concerning using TikTok for science and educational purposes since it targets the young population and promotes expression and content sharing.

Edwards, Luke. "How Can Tiktok Be Used In The Classroom?” Techlearningmagazine, 2021, https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/how-can-tiktok-be-used-in-the-classroom.

According to this article, social media use has positive and negative effects on relationships. The challenges experienced are due to addiction for entertainment purposes, and if converted for educational and learning topics in science like vaccination and immunization awareness reduces the effect. There should be minimum use of social media in improving our knowledge development for a better future. The teachers and tutors can leverage the source in teaching students different subjects since the short video keeps the student's attention to learning and increases content retention.

The article is reliable because the author of the platform is an experienced author in the science and technology field, making it more reliable for use. I will use the source to promote the application of TikTok in science education, where tutors develop accounts on the social media platform to share the content.

Klaudia, Dimitra. "From Facebook To Tik Tok: How Social Media Platforms Are Evolving - EAVI." EAVI, 2021, https://eavi.eu/from-facebook-to-tik-tok-how-social-media-platforms-are-evolving/.

There are increasing social media platforms, which has led to the emergence of more social apps. TikTok is an example of a social media app that gained much following in 2020 and 2021, and this was triggered by the pandemic where people were hungry for communication. The article illustrates an increasing global demand for communication, which has led to technological development trying to meet the communication needs of the people. Since more people get access to smartphones, it is easy to communicate using social media through their portable devices. Using social media platforms in communication makes it possible for people to interact despite their distant geographical locations. The platform allows people to relate and socialize without traveling and meeting in person. Social media apps like Facebook and TikTok are suitable for social interaction and interpersonal relationships.

The source is credible because the source is posted under the eave, which is the media literacy for citizens and the body to understand the evaluation of information before sharing. The research source is of value because it makes it possible to incorporate scientific content in teaching the users about how it played a role in public awareness during the pandemic.

Lonni, Ben Ben. "Building Relationships Through Social Media | Creative MMS." Creative MMS, 2020, https://creativemms.com/blog/building-relationships-through-social-media/.

According to the article, as time passes, more people are turning to social media to communicate and socialize. Building a brand, expanding one's network, and improving one's reach can all be aided by cultivating relationships via the social media networks of a brand. There is the possibility that the platform can become an interaction between science experts and science enthusiasts and students that need to learn and acquire content from the platform. Constantly searching for ways to create relationships with the audience to boost their interaction and offer them the high-quality material they seek is vital, especially the educational content like science on issues like vaccines. The audience will eventually purchase if they are nurtured and engaged. This is a reliable source since the material presented here is current, and the author is an experienced professional in relationship building. The information on how social media helps build relationships will be crucial in the entire sections of my literature review.

Montag, Christian et al. "On the Psychology of Tiktok Use: A First Glimpse from Empirical Findings." Frontiers in Public Health, vol 9, 2021. Frontiers Media SA, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.641673. Accessed 28 June 2022.

The article discusses about the application of the TikTok by the youngsters in the population. The young people being the target population makes it possible that the platform can serve the purpose of sharing relatable content with them, especially the educational information, including science topics. The article is peer reviewed because the source is written by a psychology professional who understands the influence social media has on young people. I will use the source to handle the content shared on TikTok and make the research more about sharing science content.

Munger, Kevin. "Tiktok Is A Unique Blend Of Social Media Platforms – Here's Why Kids Love It." The Conversation, 2020, https://theconversation.com/tiktok-is-a-unique-blend-of-social-media-platforms-heres-why-kids-love-it-144541.

The article is developed basically for interaction and entertainment purposes. This is evident in the fact that it is unique because it combines different features from the other social media platforms. TikTok allowed recording videos and using clips and songs to make fun. The platform has also served the purpose of sharing political messages and coordinating political activities. The article has expressed the role social media plays for communication and interactive purposes and significantly contributes to a country's economic growth.

The article is credible because the author is a political scientist who has studied TikTok and understands the social media platforms used in communication and interaction. The article is written and posted on the genuine "The Conversation' platform that considers credible information for sharing. The article is valuable to me since it discusses how social media can influence our day-to-day activities. Understanding TikTok and other social media help in leveraging them for business purposes.

Yang, Yang, and Louisa Ha. "Why People Use Tiktok (Douyin) And How Their Purchase Intentions Are Affected By Social Media Influencers In China: A Uses And Gratifications And Parasocial Relationship Perspective." Journal Of Interactive Advertising, vol 21, no. 3, 2021, pp. 297-305. Informa UK Limited, https://doi.org/10.1080/15252019.2021.1995544. Accessed 28 June 2022.

This study aimed to investigate the motivations for TikTok usage by young Chinese customers and how these motivations may be linked to the influencer video's ability to impact purchase decisions. An online study of 382 Chinese college students revealed that the most prevalent reason for utilizing TikTok was for entertainment. However, individuals motivated by the need to socialize had a high level of knowledge about the process of persuasion, a high level of parasocial interaction with the influencers, and higher buy intentions for the goods that were suggested to them. Tiktok has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to use in their marketing efforts and for engaging directly with customers. Marketers use social media primarily to increase their customers' awareness of their brands and their loyalty to those brands.

This is a reliable source because it is scholarly and has a doi number. The information from this study on the various reasons why individuals utilize TikTok will provide essential insights to the introduction section of my proposal. The source discusses marketing, but it is relevant in the approach to marketing the idea of developing science content like experiments and positive awareness about disease vaccines for the population to look at ways to use them. The young people being the target audience makes it more reasonable because they are more into being reluctant to take vaccines.

Work Cited

Basch, Corey H. et al. "COVID-19 On Tiktok: Harnessing An Emerging Social Media Platform To Convey Important Public Health Messages". International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, vol 0, no. 0, 2020. Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2020-0111. Accessed 28 June 2022.

Bucknell Bossen, Christina, and Rita Kottasz. "Uses and Gratifications Sought By Pre-Adolescent and Adolescent Tiktok Consumers." Young Consumers, vol 21, no. 4, 2020, pp. 463-478. Emerald, https://doi.org/10.1108/yc-07-2020-1186. Accessed 28 June 2022.

Edwards, Luke. "How Can Tiktok Be Used In The Classroom?". Techlearningmagazine, 2021, https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/how-can-tiktok-be-used-in-the-classroom.

Klaudia, Dimitra. "From Facebook To Tik Tok: How Social Media Platforms Are Evolving - EAVI". EAVI, 2021, https://eavi.eu/from-facebook-to-tik-tok-how-social-media-platforms-are-evolving/.

LeDonni, Ben Ben. "Building Relationships Through Social Media | Creative MMS ."Creative MMS, 2020, https://creativemms.com/blog/building-relationships-through-social-media/

Marina, Olga A., and Oxana A. Demchenkova. "One-Minute Talk in Teaching Speaking For Specific Purposes." Pedagogy and Psychology of Education, no. 4, 2021, pp. 84-100. Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Moscow Pedagogical State University, https://doi.org/10.31862/2500-297x-2021-4-84-100.

Montag, Christian et al. "On the Psychology of Tiktok Use: A First Glimpse from Empirical Findings." Frontiers in Public Health, vol 9, 2021. Frontiers Media SA, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.641673. Accessed 28 June 2022.

Munger, Kevin. "Tiktok Is A Unique Blend Of Social Media Platforms – Here's Why Kids Love It ."The Conversation, 2020, https://theconversation.com/tiktok-is-a-unique-blend-of-social-media-platforms-heres-why-kids-love-it-144541.

Roth, R. et al. "A Study of Adolescents' and Young Adults' Tiktok Challenge Participation in South India." Human Factors in Healthcare, vol 1, 2021, p. 100005. Elsevier BV, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hfh.2022.100005. Accessed 26 June 2022.

Yang, Yang, and Louisa Ha. "Why People Use Tiktok (Douyin) And How Their Purchase Intentions Are Affected By Social Media Influencers In China: A Uses And Gratifications And Parasocial Relationship Perspective."Journal Of Interactive Advertising, vol 21, no. 3, 2021, pp. 297-305. Informa UK Limited, https://doi.org/10.1080/15252019.2021.1995544. Accessed 28 June 2022.

Zeng, J. "Research perspectives on TikTok and its legacy apps: introduction ."International Journal of Communication. 15. (2021).

Zubenko, Oksana. "Application of Interactive Technologies in Teaching English for Specific Purposes in Higher Education Institutions." Humanities Science Current Issues, vol 1, no. 48, 2022, pp. 307-311. Drohobych Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University, https://doi.org/10.24919/2308-4863/48-1-48.