Gen Z vs Millennials: The '2ks' fight back against '1k' cyberbullying on TikTok
A digital generational war has erupted on TikTok, with 'Gen Z' (born 2000 and after) uniting under the '2ks' banner to push back against '1k' Millennial stereotyping and online harassment. This viral conflict isn't just about memes—it's redefining how generations identify themselves and interact in digital spaces, creating new cultural dynamics that extend beyond social media.
Image: Ai
A new generational battle is raging on TikTok between those born before 2000 ('1ks') and after ('2ks'), with younger users fighting back against cyberbullying and stereotyping. Discover how this online conflict is reshaping generational identity and digital culture.
A heated debate is currently unfolding on TikTok, dividing those born before or in 1999 from those born in 2000 and after. The controversy began when someone labelled those born before 2000 as "1ks."
This generational clash has been ongoing for some time, with the "1ks" reportedly comparing themselves to the "2ks." Previously, the "2ks" lacked a collective name, referring to those born in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s as "70s," "80s," and "90s," respectively. However, with the emergence of a unifying term for all those born before 2000, the conflict has intensified.
On TikTok, users identifying as "2k" are attempting to end cyberbullying from "1k" users. One user commented that “‘Ama1k’ might just be the best thing that ama2k’ have come up with,” highlighting the "1k" users' constant focus on and complaints about the "2k" users' actions. “The kids just can’t do anything right.” “Let the kids live,” another user remarked that the '1ks' are always focusing on what the 2ks do and are always complaining about everything they do.”
Responding to the millennial observation that individuals born in the 2000s appear older for their age, while millennials themselves are looking younger at 40, a millennial user posted a video. She argued, "We actually don't, we look our age, ageing is part of life and it's a beautiful thing." She further argued,
"Just because we're stuck in our youth doesn't mean that we look younger. Millennials are stuck in their 2010-2012 fashion sense with skinny jeans, bodycon dresses, and what we wear as a ploy to present our youth." She asserts that the 2000s generation dresses as they please, embracing freedom in their personal style.
The rivalry intensifies as the 2000s generation, having discovered a term to provoke the 1ks, refuses to back down. They stand tall, confidently showcasing themselves, as they actively combat the influx of negative remarks from the 1ks within the comment sections. Now, the 2000s have begun to defend one another in the comment sections on this platform.
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