TIKTOK: A TECHNOLOGY-MEDIATED ENTERTAINMENT ALTERNATIVE AMONG GENERATION Z

This study follows a qualitative research design of a phenomenological approach about creating and publishing Tiktok contents shared via social media platform by Generation Zs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such a creative output was found to be a way of dealing with and managing challenges brought in by mobility restrictions imposed by the government to contain the virus. In exchange, interaction. Tiktoking was embraced as an alternative to an in-person medium of social

Participants were selected using a non-probability purposive technique. An in-depth interview guide was used to gather data. Two (2) options were given to do the interview, either face-to-face or virtual mode. Gathered data were subjected to a thematic analysis designed by Collaizi.

The study found out that Generation Z took advantage of the affordances of Tiktok app in that they use it as a tool for self-expression, alleviate quarantine boredom and as an online form of entertainment. Uses and Gratification theory was drawn in to make sense of the participants' motivation in engaging with Tiktoking. Creations of Tiktok contents include comedic, political and skill-related. By engaging in Tiktoking, creators' cultural knowledge is enriched.

Future studies could dwell on examining how Tiktok app could be used as an effective tool to communicate without disregard to its potential threat as a medium of misinformation. Exploring how netizens could be a community resource to help on censorship and adhering to the imposed community standards are highly recommended.