TIKTOK PARTNERS WITH WHO TO PROVIDE ACCURATE COVID-19 INFORMATION

With social media platforms adjusting to the current coronavirus situation, a large portion of their evolving remit has been to stop the spread of dangerous misinformation. With people sharing information from various sources all over social, it has been hard for users to know exactly what advice to trust. To help clarify matters, TikTok has partnered with the World Health Organisation to release a series of informative videos along with a live-stream where users have been able to have their questions answered by experts.

With some young people (who form the core of TikTok’s audience) underestimating the threat of the virus due to a belief that they can fight it off, it is definitely a smart move for the WHO to use the platform and speak the language its users prefer (short-form video content). With viral trends such as the #stayathomechallenge already emerging, it will interesting to see how information and trends spread during this time of isolation. Social distancing in the real world may end up bringing people closer together across online social networks.