Are TikTok Trends Shaping the Future of Generational Communication?

Are TikTok Trends Putting Generational Communication in a Spin?

In the bustling city of New York, a fresh and humorous trend is taking TikTok by storm, showcasing a quirky intersection between generations and the ever-evolving world of language. You’ve probably noticed it if you’ve scrolled through your feed lately—the sight of older folks enthusiastically attempting to use Gen Z slang while reviewing everything from cozy bed and breakfasts to trendy home decor. It’s simultaneously adorable and a bit cringeworthy, I think we can all agree.

What’s the Scoop on These Videos?

To date, there are nearly 4,000 of these trending videos, and they’ve racked up millions of views. Each time you see an older person excitedly proclaiming that “Northumberland Zoo hits different” or that they “slay,” it might make you chuckle or cringe. But it also raises a big question: When someone over, say, 35 starts tossing around your slang, does it feel like the end of the era? In many ways, it does.

But let’s take a deeper look at this. A lot of the slang that Gen Z is credited with isn’t all that new—it’s actually had a long history! Phrases like “it’s giving” and “serving” came from the vibrant world of Black and Latinx ball culture and were popularized in mainstream media through shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race. Meanwhile, newer phrases like “rizz”, named Oxford’s 2023 word of the year, were meant to connect with the cool kids of the internet. Yet, when used in a context like promoting the Royal Armouries, it can feel a bit distant from its original vibe.

Generation Challenges on Social Media

Generational teasing has been around forever, especially online. The phrase “OK boomer” became the battle cry for Gen Z in 2019, signaling their frustration with the judgment they often feel from older generations. If Millennials were too tired to engage, Gen Z stepped up as a force of cultural expression online. They began crafting their own language and humor, pushing aside conventional norms, and sometimes, throwing shade at Gen X. Yet, it’s interesting to note that Gen X, known for their resolve as latchkey kids, seems to be untouchable in this comedic landscape.

The Ironic Turn of Events

Now, the tables have turned. TikTok has become a stage for older generations to dabble in Gen Z’s domain. This clash is both entertaining and paradoxical, blending generational edges in a way that’s hard to decipher. Are they genuinely trying to connect, or is it all just a marketing stunt? The phrase “Gen Z writes the marketing script” isn’t simply a playful jab; it highlights how intermingled our communication has become.

A couple of months ago, another TikTok trend took off, depicting Gen Z staff drafts that turned regular videos into awkward compilations filled with “ums” and pauses. The current trend around marketing scripts feels like a full circle moment, where all age groups are merging on the platform. If anyone wants to keep their slang exclusive, they might have to find a different venue. Maybe Gen Alpha has the answers.

The Future of Language Online

Language thrives and evolves in the digital world, often becoming a muddled mess along the way. The confusion over who the joke is on when someone over 35 performs Gen Z lingo is part of the charm. Social media is a tricky place, and the implications of these generational skirmishes mean everyone is learning from one another. It could be said that the only constant in this playful dialogue is change.

Meanwhile, speaking of trending topics, AI has been making waves too! For instance, a song featuring a voice that sounds an awful lot like Justin Bieber has been making rounds, but researchers now believe it’s probably an AI creation. It’s a fascinating reminder of how technology is shaping culture.

With our world constantly changing, it’s insightful to observe how language is exchanged and transformed through the generations, particularly on platforms like TikTok. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see a whole new trend emerge next week that will make us rethink everything we’ve come to understand about intergenerational communication.