College students using TikTok as a academic resource

TikTok as an academic resource?

A recent survey of 1,000 current 4-year college students and their use of TikTok as an academic resource.

Despite TikTok now being banned on a number of campus wifi networks, we found that:

51% of college students have used TikTok for help with academic work

Of this group, 58% prefer using TikTok over other search engines

More than half of users say they learn more on TikTok than in their classes

82% say the information on TikTok is somewhat or very trustworthy

A Hit on College Campuses

TikTok has become a controversial topic on college campuses, as many schools have recently banned its use on campus wifi due to security concerns.

However, for many users TikTok has become more than just another social media time suck, and is instead a place where they can learn about topics ranging from personal finance to DIY home improvement.

As this social media app is particularly popular with Gen Z, in January, Intelligent.com surveyed 1,000 current 4-year college students in the U.S. to ask about their use of TikTok when it comes to schoolwork.

Key findings:

51% of college students have used TikTok for help with academic work

Of this group, 58% prefer using TikTok over other search engines

More than half of users say they learn more on TikTok than in their classes

51% of College Students Use TikTok for Homework Help

More than half of the 1,000 4-year college students surveyed say they have used TikTok to help with their academic work. Of this group, one-third say they actually use it for help with 50% or more of their homework assignments.

Additionally, 34% of the total sample say they used TikTok to help write their college application essays.

“It’s no surprise that TikTok has grown in popularity among many users, especially Gen Z’ers, due to its wide variety of bite-sized content, entertaining video effects, and cultural trends,” comments education advisor Blanca Villagomez. “Like any social media platform, TikTok has its fair share of pros and cons if used as an educational tool.”

“In my profession, students often share with me new resources or tools that are improving their study habits, time management, and even productivity all because of TikToks they come across,” she explains. “Nowadays students have a shorter attention span and consuming content that is quick and easy to digest can make learning fun.”

“Plus, TikTok has a diverse community of creators which can expose students to a broader horizon of cultures, worldviews, and experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have access to in their day-to-day physical environments,” she continues.