TikTok as a data gathering space: The case of grandchildren and grandparents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Grandparents and grandchildren benefit from a relationship with each other. However, in times of crisis and social distancing it is challenging to maintain this relationship. In this paper, we reflect on TikTok as a data gathering platform that might help designers to capture and ideate on remote communication design across generations. We report on a study that aimed to learn about how grandparents and grandchildren perform their relationship on TikTok in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our work might trigger discussions on the potentials of social media as a place for data gathering, as well as the implications of these insights when designing for and with children, and more particularly intergenerational remote interactions.