Will TikTok Go Viral in Scholarly Publishing?

Abstract

Is Jennifer really going to write an article about TikTok and scholarly publishing? Why, yes, I am. I joined TikTok so you don’t have to. Unless, of course, you want to. Either way, grab some popcorn and a cold bev, curl up in a comfy spot, and let’s get started. I set out to write this column considering TikTok from a serious point of view. We all know TikTok as the place where catchy songs and fun dances are showcased 24 hours a day. Aside from the fun aspect of TikTok, though, I was truly curious to learn how TikTok is affecting the academic world. I asked this question as I considered what I would write: “Will TikTok go viral in scholarly publishing?” My prediction is YES, TikTok will go viral in scholarly publishing, particularly with researchers. It is a way to make complicated principles accessible to anyone, easy to understand, and entertaining. (And yes, TikTok is a serious time waster.) CAUTION TO ALL READERS: TikTok is not for the faint of heart. It is beyond fascinating and is guaranteed to suck you in with its boundless resources of… well… everything. Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has been growing exponentially. Make sure you have time to get absorbed (euphemism for hours of distraction) in this labyrinth of information overload. Remember when the World Wide Web used to be called the Information Superhighway? Well, TikTok is the Information Rocket Ship that will take you to worlds you didn’t even know […]