https://doi.org/10.36719/2706-6185/44/294-307
Kelfah Amel
University of Oran2
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9732-5421
amel_kel@hotmail.fr
Trend Culture Among Algerian Teenagers Using Short Video Applications - TikTok as a Case Study: An Exploratory Clinical Study on a Sample
of Adolescents in the City of Oran
Abstract
The present study aims to examine the trend culture from the perspective of Algerian teenagers who use the short video application TikTok. It explores their obsession with trends, regardless of their context, and the satisfaction they derive from following, imitating, or creating trends. TikTok, as the dominant platform for viral content, plays a central role in shaping digital social interactions among teenagers. To achieve these objectives, we conducted a qualitative study involving 10 teenagers (5 males and 5 females) from Oran, aged 14 to 18 years. The study employed a clinical approach using the life story narration method. The findings reveal that many teenagers are deeply engaged with trends as a means of reinforcing their sense of digital belonging. Trends also serve as a primary source of news and influence their opinions, often without concern for accuracy or fact-checking. Influencers act as media intermediaries, shaping the narratives that teenagers consume. Additionally, many adolescents are drawn more to superficial entertainment content rather than meaningful or educational material. This preference may stem from the aspirational images projected by content creators, who portray success and popularity, as well as TikTok’s algorithm, which prioritizes engaging and viral videos. Moreover, the study indicates that the design of adolescent TikTok accounts reflects a blend of creativity necessary for self-expression and individuality, and trend imitation, which ensures visibility at the cost of originality. This suggests that teenagers are highly influenced by prevailing TikTok trends, often shaping their digital identities around them.
Keywords: trend culture, popular content, Algerian teenagers, short video applications, TikTok