TikTok is a visual platform that encourages first-person narratives and perspectives, often following "day in the life" and vlog-style content from influencers. In a way, this makes TikTok the perfect platform for modern citizen journalists to practice "gonzo journalism," the style of journalism pioneered by Hunter S. Thompson that makes no claims of objectivity, often having the reporter play a role in the story itself.
Unlike traditional journalism that relies on neutral, strictly factual statements from reporters and quotations from third parties, gonzo journalism's accuracy comes from reporting the author's personal emotions and experiences. This establishes a close connection between the reporter and the audience, because even if they aren't necessarily objective, they are open and vulnerable about their honest experiences, which some audiences find refreshing.
As I mentioned above, a popular video format on TikTok takes a "day in the life" approach. This means the subject films their daily life, usually while accomplishing a specific task or going to an event, while they take their phone along to record their experience in detail, sharing their experiences and feelings to the viewer in a way that feels very direct and personal.
I have seen TikToks of this style following reporters attending conferences, conventions, protests, rallies, and more. Instead of documenting the events in a traditional journalistic way, which would be removing themself from the situation, filming exactly what's going on, and offering nothing but detached facts, they take the audience along with them, describing their thoughts and feelings on the event, what it means to them, and what exactly they are experiencing.
I think gonzo journalism is a great way to connect with people, specifically young audiences that grew up watching vlog-style content on Youtube. Young influencers-turned-reporters often have a particular cadence and charisma that appeals to a younger audience, speaking to their phone camera like they are on a FaceTime call rather than documenting an important event. This can be a great way to engage young people in political events and happenings; by using young reporters to casually film and describe their own experiences, they are connecting with the audience in a way traditional broadcast and print media simply cannot.
I don't know much about Gonzo journalism, but just by reading your post, I also agree that gonzo journalism is best for the younger generation. Most of the younger generation don't know about politics, so I think it would be best if they depend on gonzo journalism until they get fully into politics. I think once they start to understand more about politics, they will rely on traditional journalism, because traditional journalism does provide more accurate information and will give the knowledge that you need.
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