Viral TikToks documenting sorority recruitment see millions of views, intense backlash 

Recent TikTok videos documenting college freshmen’s experiences during sorority recruitment have gained millions of views. However, these viral clips have drawn significant backlash for portraying the recruitment process as overly competitive and superficial. The trend reflects how social media has influenced traditional recruitment processes within sororities, raising concerns about the authenticity of these depictions. NBC News highlighted the discussion surrounding the impact of social media on such cultural practices, particularly among young women. The coverage was aired on August 19, 2025.

• Why it matters:
  • Understanding the influence of social media on youth perceptions and behaviors can help parents and educators address the potential pressures students face.
  • Businesses targeting college-age demographics may reconsider marketing strategies to align with changing social media norms.
• The latest: There are ongoing discussions among sororities about the portrayal of their recruitment processes in light of social media’s growing influence.