TikTok street interviews are a popular way for users to gather opinions and perspectives on various topics nowadays- and are all the rave even on other social platforms like Instagram (in the form of reels) and YouTube (in the form of shorts). These interviews usually take place in person, with the interviewer approaching people on the street and asking them a series of questions. These interviews can be used to gather public opinion on a wide range of subjects, from politics and social issues to pop culture and consumer products. However, it’s important to consider both the positives and negatives of TikTok street interviews.
Advantages
One of the main advantages of TikTok street interviews is that they can provide a unique and diverse perspective on a particular topic. These interviews can be conducted with a variety of people from different backgrounds and walks of life, giving a comprehensive view of public opinion. Additionally, TikTok street interviews are often conducted with a younger demographic, which can be particularly valuable when gathering opinions on topics that primarily affect young people, such as education, social media, and pop culture. They often come in the form of trivia questions; one such is the interview agenda in which the interviewer asks the person to locate specific countries on the world map or to name some countries starting from a particular alphabet. While this can be engaging and entertaining, these interview styles have not only amassed millions of views but also brought about criticism and hatred targeted towards the interviewee if they give a relatively incorrect answer on that topic
Positives
One positive of TikTok street interviews is that they can be a useful tool for promoting a particular message or agenda. For example, an organization or campaign can use these interviews to raise awareness about a particular issue or to gain support for a particular cause. This can be especially effective on TikTok, where videos can go viral quickly and reach a large audience. As an example, famous TikToker Saif Shawaf has a renowned challenge where he stands in a busy street with a signboard that reads “Make Me Laugh” and if the person taking on that challenge succeeds in making Saif laugh, they receive some amount of money or prize which was stated before. While it was already a very entertaining agenda, Saif took it on him to spread the message of humanity by continuing the trend where he shows his viewers the plight of Syrian refugees and aims to raise funds to support them. This has touched hearts of many people and aims to use social media for a noble cause.
Negatives
However, there are also some negatives to consider when it comes to TikTok street interviews. One major issue is that the way the interviews are conducted, the sample size and the selection of the people interviewed may affect the validity of the results. For example, if the interviewer only approaches a certain type of person or only asks certain types of questions, the results may not accurately reflect the views of the general public. Additionally, TikTok street interviews are likely to be more casual and less formal than traditional street interviews conducted by professional researchers, which may also affect the reliability of the data.
Another negative is that TikTok street interviews can be used to spread misinformation or to promote a biased agenda. This is particularly concerning when it comes to political or social issues, as the results of these interviews can be used to influence public opinion in a negative way. It’s important to approach the data with caution and consider the potential biases. As mentioned earlier, some interviewees experience an unprecedented amount of hate for answering incorrectly or giving illogical answers to some questions. Many of such interviewees have mentioned that it is the interviewer’s hand in editing the video to spread misinformation for popularity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while TikTok street interviews have their fair share of pros and cons, it comes down to how we use the information they provide and remember that everything we see on the Internet is incorrect.
