Blog Post #8: Diffusion of Innovations and TikTok

Diffusion of Innovations and TikTok

Diffusion of Innovations is a theory by Everett Rogers that helps explain how and why new ideas and technologies spread through society. It focuses on how people adopt innovations over time, from early adopters to laggards, and the communication channels that help them spread. Understanding this theory makes it easier to see why some technologies take off quickly, while others fade out or struggle to gain trust.

A perfect example of a modern innovation that exploded through this process is TikTok. Launched internationally in 2018 (after merging with the app Musical.ly), TikTok became one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world. Its success came from a combination of short, engaging videos, a powerful algorithm, and the ability to go viral overnight. Early adopters were mostly teens and Gen Z content creators who used it for lip-syncing and comedy, but it quickly expanded to include people of all ages, celebrities, brands, and even politicians.

While millions jumped on TikTok right away, there are still late adopters or people who don’t use it at all. Some worry about the platform’s data privacy issues, especially after concerns were raised about TikTok's ties to China’s government. Others avoid the app because of how addictive it can be, or simply because they don’t find short videos appealing. Older generations might feel disconnected from the format, or just prefer other platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

There are definitely downsides to TikTok. Studies show that the app’s algorithm can fuel negative mental health effects, especially among younger users. It can encourage comparison, promote unrealistic beauty standards, and lead to hours of screen time. On top of that, misinformation can spread quickly through viral content without much fact-checking.

Still, TikTok has positives that attract users. It gives anyone a platform to share creativity, launch careers, or educate others. Many small businesses and artists have used TikTok to grow massively, and the algorithm helps level the playing field so even someone with zero followers can go viral. In terms of cost-benefit, the entertainment, opportunity, and reach TikTok offers outweigh the negatives for a lot of people, especially when used mindfully and with limits.