How Gen Z Is Using TikTok to Expose 'Propaganda' (And Why You Should Pay Attention)

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Plus, how to create “Propaganda I’m Not Falling For” TikToks

Co-authored by Sophia Bell Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: September 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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What is the trend?

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How it Reflects Gen Z

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Making Your Own TikTok

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Cultural Impact

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Key Takeaways

Videos titled “Propaganda I’m Not Falling For” are going viral on TikTok, and we’re here to break down this Gen Z social media phenomenon. From what it means and how to make your own "I'm not falling for" TikToks to the cultural impact of this viral trend, keep reading for everything you need to know.

Propaganda I’m Not Falling For

The “Propaganda I’m Not Falling For” TikTok trend allows users to share ideas, beliefs, and habits that they dislike and believe are problematic or manipulative. Especially popular with Gen Z, these videos encourage people to think critically about trends and media messages and define their own values.

Section 1 of 5:

What is the “propaganda I’m not falling for” trend?

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The “propaganda I’m not falling for” trend is about rejecting societal expectations and norms. In this case, propaganda refers to societal norms, conventions, expectations, or commonly held beliefs that people think are problematic. Starting in June 2025, this phrase and the related videos took TikTok by storm. Users, especially those in Gen Z, began sharing their hot takes on trends, ideas, beauty standards, marketing tactics, and habits that they reject.
- Users’ hot takes list items and ideas ranging from politics (DOGE), religion (organized religion), and conspiracies (faked moon landing) to health and beauty (summer bodies), marketing tactics (getting a new iPhone every year), work life (hustle culture), and dating and relationships (hookup culture).
- Check out these top “propaganda I am not falling for” videos on TikTok. Some have millions of views and hundreds of comments, signaling how viral this trend has become.

Section 2 of 5:

How the Trend Reflects Gen Z

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This trend reflects Gen Z’s preference for de-influencing and societal change. While some posts are serious and some are more light-hearted or satirical, “propaganda I’m not falling for” content represents Gen Z’s rejection of traditional values, trends, and ideas.^{[1]
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Research source} Just because something is a widely held belief or trending on social media doesn’t mean that Gen Z is going to adopt it as a fact or habit. In fact, they strive for societal change more than previous generations.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source

Pew Research Center
Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends

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- Gen Z is less into manufactured influencer content than some other generations and prefers more genuine, unfiltered content where people share their own opinions and experiences. Above all, they value authenticity.^{[3]
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- They also tend to distrust marketing, institutions, and government more than other generations.
Some of the things people “aren’t falling for” include normal or healthy habits like running, doing Pilates, eating a balanced diet, and holding down a job. It can become problematic when people label benign, factual, or healthy things as “propaganda.”

Section 3 of 5:

How to Craft Your Own “Propaganda I’m Not Falling For” Content

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What do you feel passionate about? Whether you believe that pumpkin spice lattes should be sold year-round or think that dedicating your life to making money for a billionaire CEO is BS, consider what society or the media is telling you that you think is misleading, manipulative, problematic, or false.
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Film a video and add music and text. Create a TikTok where you either explain your hot takes or one that simply shows you going about your day, and add text that lists your hot takes. If your video doesn’t include you talking, select a song to add to your video. Many users add music from Elton John’s “Rocket Man” or Charli XCX’s “I think about it all the time,” but you can choose your own song if you’d like.
- Keep your video short (~20 seconds) and punchy to keep viewers engaged.
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Post your video and engage respectfully with comments and followers. Add some hashtags (#propaganda #imnotfallingfor #trends), share your video, and wait for the hearts and comments to roll in. If people disagree with you or leave nasty remarks, just ignore them! The point of this trend is not to engage in cyberbullying or spread misinformation. Instead, try to generate thoughtful discussions about societal norms.
- Share your thoughts on wikiHow’s “What are your "propaganda I'm not falling for" takes?” discussion page!

Section 4 of 5:

Cultural Impact of the “Propaganda I’m Not Falling For” Trend

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This trend encourages users to define their own values. Followers of the trend are rejecting being told what to think, believe, eat, wear, and do by media, society, and influencers. Instead, they’re closely examining the messaging and media they receive and deciding if it’s right for them.
- Social media has become a place where users seek out information related to current events, health and wellness, beauty and fashion, politics, and more. There is such an oversaturation of sponsored and influencer content as well as clickbait that it can be hard to tell what’s genuine, accurate, and healthy versus what people or bots are posting to try and make money from clicks, views, and purchases.
- Check out wikiHow and the United Nations’ article “How to Understand the Difference Between Misinformation, Disinformation, and Fake News” to learn more about how to spot inaccurate social media content.
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It also impacts brands and commerce. Many Gen Zers are rejecting things that other generations spend money on, including pricey skincare products, cosmetic procedures like Botox, and even gym memberships. This example of “consumer resistance” encourages brands to listen and adapt to changing consumer habits.^{[4]
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- Additionally, members of Gen Z are more likely to make money in unconventional ways, such as with online content, than to work a traditional 9-5 job.^{[5]
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  Trustworthy Source
  
  Pew Research Center
  Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends
  
  Go to source}

Section 5 of 5:

Key Takeaways

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TikTok’s platform, and this trend in particular, allows everyday people to share their opinions in a raw, unfiltered way. From rejecting modern beauty standards to expressing concern about the government and work culture, this trend sparks discussion about societal narratives and encourages users to decide for themselves what to believe and value.