Young people turn to TikTok, not Wikipedia, and absorb knowledge in a minute

 

Not so long ago, Wikipedia stood as the main symbol of online knowledge – a digital encyclopedia shaped by contributors from across the world. Before that, the role of primary information sources was played by textbooks, traditional encyclopedias, and libraries. Today, however, younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are far less inclined to read lengthy articles or books. In their everyday lives, TikTok is increasingly taking over as their first “search engine” – an entertainment platform whose algorithm delivers knowledge in quick, 60-second clips.

This shift raises concerns not only about the reliability of such information, but also about the future of education, critical thinking, and the place of experts. Can TikTok truly replace Wikipedia? Or is it merely a passing trend that illustrates how much expectations of information sources have changed?

 

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. From textbooks and encyclopedias to TikTok
3. The trap of speed and emotions
4. Fake news in the TikTok era – how myths spread
5. Natural cork – a misleading myth
6. Education in the TikTok age – strategies for coping
7. Summary
8. FAQ

 

From textbooks and encyclopedias to TikTok

How younger generations’ knowledge sources have evolved

Just twenty years ago, knowledge was mainly tied to textbooks, libraries, and encyclopedias. Accessing information demanded patience, time, and the ability to read critically. When Wikipedia emerged in the early 2000s, it was a breakthrough – suddenly anyone could reach vast amounts of knowledge within seconds, albeit still in the form of structured, lengthy articles. Today, younger people prefer a completely different path: instead of long reads, they gravitate toward short, visual content shared on social platforms.

Why textbooks and Wikipedia can’t compete with short video

Traditional textbooks and encyclopedias call for focus and sequential reading, while TikTok provides instant answers in a fast-paced, engaging format. Short clips communicate through emotions, storytelling, and visual metaphors – elements that catch attention far more effectively than plain text. Wikipedia hasn’t lost its value, but it struggles to meet the expectations of younger audiences raised on instant content consumption.

TikTok as a new “knowledge hub”

For many teens, TikTok has become their first stop when looking for new information – whether it’s health advice, study hacks, or historical trivia. Its algorithm, which instantly tailors content to personal interests, positions the app as an alternative to traditional search engines. It is no longer just a place for dances and memes, but a massive repository of educational, popular science, and unfortunately, pseudoscientific material.

Statistics that reflect TikTok’s rise as a search tool

Research shows that nearly 40% of Gen Z in the United States prefer searching on TikTok or Instagram instead of Google. In categories like cooking, health, lifestyle, or history, short-form video is becoming a primary source of learning and inspiration. This trend keeps growing – with more than one billion active monthly users, TikTok is increasingly challenging traditional encyclopedias and educational platforms.

Gen Z and Millennials – why creators earn more trust than experts

A generation shaped by social media tends to relate more strongly to influencers and micro-creators than to anonymous Wikipedia contributors or academics behind textbooks. The key factor lies in communication style: experts write in formal, often complex language, while online creators use simple, relatable, and emotional expression. In addition, the possibility of direct interaction (comments, likes, asking questions) creates a feeling of authenticity and trust. Consequently, young people are more likely to trust a short tip on TikTok than a lengthy scholarly article.

 

The trap of speed and emotions

When 60 seconds replace in-depth studies

TikTok thrives on brevity – clips often just seconds long designed to capture attention instantly. This stands in stark contrast to traditional education, which depends on analyzing texts, building arguments step by step, and encouraging critical thought. In practice, this means comprehensive historical, scientific, or medical works are reduced to a single simplified takeaway: a striking fact, a quick suggestion, or a “shocking claim.”

The issue is that simplification doesn’t always bring clarity – it frequently leads to distortions, missing context, or false conclusions. Complex biological mechanisms or historical events cannot be neatly packed into 60 seconds without significant risk of misrepresentation. Yet, for many young viewers, such videos end up being their first – and sometimes only – exposure to knowledge.

TikTok’s algorithm – rewarding reach over truth

TikTok’s recommendation system doesn’t prioritize accuracy, but rather entertainment value and engagement. This means that shocking, emotional, and easy-to-digest videos dominate trends – regardless of their accuracy. Content that stirs reactions and invites comments is more likely to go viral than calm, carefully reasoned expert explanations.

As a result, on TikTok emotions often outweigh scientific evidence as the main driver of visibility. Memes or provocative claims spread more widely than well-supported facts. This dynamic strengthens echo chambers, where users are exposed only to what they want to hear, rather than to a variety of perspectives.

The scale of disinformation

The consequence of this system is not only shallow knowledge but also widespread misinformation. Research conducted in the US and UK shows that over half of health-related content on TikTok includes mistakes, oversimplifications, or misleading statements. These range from so-called “miracle” diets to pseudo-medical tips that, in some cases, can even endanger health.

This issue goes far beyond health, spreading into topics like history, politics, natural sciences, and environmental matters. Because videos circulate rapidly and are often replicated by other creators, false claims can reach millions of viewers in a matter of hours. The more provocative or sensational the video, the faster it gains traction – while factual information is sidelined.

 

Fake news in the TikTok era – why myths spread so quickly

Why younger audiences are especially prone to oversimplifications and half-truths

Gen Z has grown up immersed in a constant flow of stimuli. Their daily reality is shaped by endless short videos, notifications, and memes, which encourages skimming rather than deep engagement. In this environment, simplifications and half-truths are appealing: they’re easy to digest and work well as quick soundbites. Moreover, young users often place more trust in authenticity and emotional delivery than in traditional authority. If a creator comes across as “real” and “honest,” their content is frequently accepted as fact, even when it contradicts established science.

Pseudoscientific theories that go viral

TikTok abounds with theories lacking any scientific foundation that nonetheless attract huge audiences. The most common include:

• health myths – miracle diets, “magical” supplements, quick-fix weight loss tips, or supposed cures for chronic illnesses without medical intervention,

• pseudo-environmental claims – for instance, the belief that certain natural materials harm the planet, even though scientific data shows the exact opposite,

• conspiracy theories – from denying climate change to fantastical explanations of history, or claims that scientific institutions are “hiding the truth.”

These theories spread so effectively because they appeal to emotions: they spark curiosity, outrage, or sometimes hope for simple answers to complex challenges.

Absurd “facts” about history and health that millions believe

The list of examples is long. Among younger audiences, myths circulate claiming that aliens built the pyramids, that the Middle Ages were a “dark age without knowledge,” or that vaccines cause more harm than good. Just as popular are clips suggesting that daily consumption of apple cider vinegar replaces medical treatment for metabolic diseases, or that “breathing a certain way” can cure depression.

The problem is that such absurdities are often delivered in highly engaging formats – videos with quick edits, dramatic music, and catchy slogans that stick in memory. Debunking these myths requires time, context, and credible sources – resources that rarely stand a chance against a one-minute clip that convinces viewers they’ve uncovered a “hidden truth.”

 

Natural cork – a misleading myth

Where the misconception came from that natural cork “destroys forests”

On TikTok and other social platforms, a recurring myth suggests that natural cork production involves cutting down trees and damaging ecosystems. This misconception stems from ignorance about how cork is actually harvested and from oversimplified claims repeated in posts and comments. For many users, cork is automatically associated with “deforestation,” much like paper or construction timber.

How the myth spreads through TikTok comments

TikTok’s environment makes myths spread rapidly. One popular comment claiming that cork “destroys trees” can spark a chain reaction of repeated falsehoods. Each new user adds another oversimplification, while the algorithm – favoring discussion and emotional reactions – ensures the misinformation reaches hundreds of thousands. The more it’s repeated, the more “credible” it appears.

The reality about natural cork: Why trees aren’t cut down, but keep growing and regenerating

In truth, natural cork is one of the most sustainable raw materials. It is harvested from the bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber), not by felling trees. These oaks grow mainly in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Italy, and their bark can be stripped every 9–12 years. This process doesn’t harm the tree – in fact, it stimulates regeneration. The tree continues to thrive, with its bark renewing itself, making it possible to provide cork for centuries.

The cork oak also serves an essential ecological purpose: it absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide, protects the soil against erosion, and offers habitats for many endangered species. In this way, cork production helps sustain Mediterranean ecosystems rather than harm them.

Natural cork as one of the most renewable and eco-friendly options

Compared with many other industrial materials, natural cork stands out for its longevity, recyclability, and minimal carbon footprint. Beyond bottle stoppers, it is widely applied in construction, design, acoustics, and even aerospace. What’s more, the cork industry supports local Mediterranean communities, generating jobs without destroying forests.

That’s why natural cork is often cited as a prime example of circular economy practices and environmentally responsible use of resources. Yet the myth about its supposed harm highlights how quickly misinformation can dominate social media conversations, particularly when straightforward, accessible explanations are missing.

 

Education in the TikTok era – how to respond?

The role of educators, experts, and fact-checkers

With short-form videos taking over, teachers and specialists face a new challenge: how to capture the attention of young audiences whose focus may last only seconds. Traditional lectures and textbooks cannot compete with the appeal of TikTok, making it essential for experts to be present on social media. More and more educators and scientists are creating their own accounts to explain complex topics in a clear yet reliable manner.

Fact-checking organizations also play an important role. Their job is not only to correct false claims but also to create content that teaches audiences how to recognize trustworthy information versus manipulation. In the TikTok age, fact-checkers need to work in the same format as viral content: concise, visual, and easily digestible.

Encouraging critical thinking in young people

The cornerstone of education in the TikTok era is building critical thinking skills. Young people should be encouraged to ask: Who is the author of this content? What expertise do they have? Are sources provided? Does this information align with other credible evidence? Without these habits, even the best school programs will fall short.

Educators can support these skills by:

• reviewing popular TikTok videos during lessons and collectively assessing their reliability,

• explaining how recommendation algorithms work and pointing out their weaknesses,

• teaching students to recognize emotional storytelling techniques that can overshadow facts.

Can TikTok be used effectively for education?

Interestingly, TikTok doesn’t have to be just a threat – it can also be turned into an educational resource. Many teachers and experts are already using the platform to share science, explain difficult concepts, or even run mini-lessons. The key is presentation: the content must be short, engaging, visually appealing, and above all, fact-based.

When used wisely, TikTok can complement education, serving as a “gateway” to more comprehensive resources. A video can spark curiosity, encourage further learning, and guide viewers toward trustworthy articles, books, or courses. Instead of dismissing the platform, the focus should be on leveraging its potential to spread real knowledge rather than misinformation.

 

Summary

TikTok has redefined how younger generations consume knowledge – shifting from textbooks and encyclopedias to 60-second clips that act as modern “micro-lessons.” On the one hand, this represents a technological and cultural shift that enables fast access to information. On the other, it creates challenges, since simplifications, emotional framing, and algorithm-driven content encourage the spread of myths and misinformation.

The example of the natural cork myth illustrates how quickly false narratives can overshadow the truth. It reflects a broader issue: the attractiveness of a message often carries more weight than its factual accuracy.

If TikTok is to support learning, it must be approached as a starting point – a spark for further exploration rather than a replacement for encyclopedias or textbooks. Education in the age of short videos therefore requires a new style, one that blends engaging communication with reliability and responsibility for content.

 

FAQ

1. Can TikTok fully replace Wikipedia?
Not really. TikTok delivers content faster and in a more appealing format, but it rarely offers complete or reliable information. Wikipedia and traditional sources remain essential for deeper understanding and broader context. At most, TikTok can serve as a starting point, inspiring further research.

2. Is all educational content on TikTok misleading?
No. Many valuable accounts are run by teachers, scientists, and enthusiasts who can explain complex subjects in clear, accessible ways. The issue lies in proportion – algorithms often boost sensational or emotional posts rather than fact-based content.

3. How can users guard against misinformation on TikTok?
The most important defense is critical thinking: verifying sources, cross-checking information across platforms, and recognizing that algorithms reward engagement, not accuracy. Fact-checkers and educational creators who debunk false claims are also crucial allies.