Aren't birds really just little humans in feather coats? How RSPB is 'reaching out' to teens via TikTok

Trivialisatyion? A Sparrowhawk gets the TikTok treatment 

                                        

IN its determination to move with the times, the RSPB is now stepping up its production of short-video clips to be posted on TikTok, the social media channel beloved of teenagers and pre-teens.

The Bedfordshire-based organisation is aware that its image is less than vibrant - not to say a trifle stodgy -  among under-20s, and it is determined to keep 'reaching out' to a more youthful section of society.

Says a spokesperson: "TikTok is the fastest growing social platform in the world, with a global membership of over one billion.

"We recognise the opportunity with this new role to grow our brand and reach new and diverse audiences!"

The society now has at least one officer on a salary of £33,000-plus per annum whose responsibility is firstly to develop short-form video which gets "impactful results" and secondly to recruit volunteers to do likewise.

Isn't this just jumping - at unnecessary expense - on the latest social media bandwagon?

Not so, says the RSPB which insists the initiative will benefit its "strategic objectives and communication plans".

Below are some images reflecting how the RSPB seeks to 'engage' a young audience in its ongoing efforts to promote bird conservation.

Whether it will prove effective remains to be seen.

                                        

                                                

The Wryneck says: Fun - and funny? Or puerile trivialisation? Hats off to RSPB for trying, but it is hard to think that posting frivolous videos on TikTok will coax many young people into a long-lasting interest in birds or into becoming crusaders for their conservation. But who knows? The initiative might be a roaring success. Only time will tell.