tech
Gen Z flocks to BirdTok as birding takes flight: ‘It’s a craving for something real’
Social media and Shazam-like birdsong apps drawing young people to hobby as they seek a gentler connection to the outside world
TL;DR
- TikTok sees a surge in birdwatching videos, with UK posts for #birdwatching and #birdtok up by one-third in three months.
- The hobby is attracting a younger demographic, with under-24s contributing to a significant portion of RSPB's video views.
- Factors driving the trend include bird identification apps like Merlin, a desire for 'real' experiences, and the appeal of analogue hobbies.
- Bird enthusiasts and ornithologists note a shift towards younger participants, with 'birding' preferred over 'birdwatching' by younger generations.
- A forthcoming ban on social media for under-16s in the UK may impact the growth of this trend among the youngest participants.
- Organizations like the British Trust for Ornithology are experiencing high demand for events tailored to young birders.