Research Outline

Online Communities for American Kids

Goals

Determine the fastest growing online interests for kids ages 6-12 in the US. For the interests, determine the platforms these interests are popular on and any sub-categories of the topic.

Early Findings

Strict privacy regulations for minors makes it challenging to collect and analyze data specifically for 6-12 year olds. However, based on reports from kid-safe platforms like PopJam, a global platform for those aged 13 and under, general interests can be obtained for kids that apply to kids within the US.

Current Trends

  • VSCO Girls - VSCO Girls started as an app but has now morphed into a "lifestyle" that involves wearing scrunchies and crop tops and using metal straws and reusable water bottles.
  • TikTok Challenges - For the younger crowd, many are watching videos of TikTok Challenges on YouTube, because they are not allowed to use the actual TikTok App.
  • Old Town Road - Made popular by Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road version, then made into a TikTok Challenge, and now living on in memes.
  • Collections - Rocks, shells, slime, and scrunchies are at the top of the collectibles charts, along with L.O.L. Surprise! figures.

Platforms