WIN Media, Makassar, 9/3/2026 – TikTok is no longer just a place to share dance or lip-sync videos. In recent years, the platform has transformed into an alternative learning space thanks to the emergence of “TikTok Teachers.” However, this phenomenon has sparked intense debate: is it a form of creativity in delivering educational material, or is it content that reduces the essence of education?
Harry Yulianto, an Educational Technology Expert from STIE YPUP Makassar, offers his perspective on this trend increasingly populating social media feeds.
According to Harry, the presence of teachers on TikTok is a logical consequence of digital disruption. “TikTok Teachers were born out of the need to reach students in their natural habitat. Gen Z and Alpha live in the digital world, so educators must enter that space. This is actually a positive innovation,” stated Harry.
He gave examples of how creative teachers explain physics formulas or historical events through short, visual, concise, and entertaining videos. This method has proven effective in capturing the attention of students who struggle to focus in conventional classrooms.
However, Harry Yulianto also highlighted the dark side of this trend. “Problems arise when the line between teacher and content creator becomes blurred. In the pursuit of likes and views, many end up creating content that seeks sensation rather than imparting knowledge,” he asserted.
The phenomenon of teachers dancing, overacting, or even engaging in drama with fellow creators for popularity is seen as potentially undermining the dignity of the teaching profession. “What is concerning is that the educational message gets lost, leaving only entertainment. This is controversial because it can mislead public perception about what the learning process should entail,” added the STIE YPUP Makassar lecturer.
Harry emphasizes the importance of digital literacy for educators. Being creative on social media is permissible, as long as it does not compromise professional values.
“The key is proportionality. Teachers can appear relaxed and close to students, but there must still be boundaries. Content must continue to prioritize sound learning principles. If the only goal is to go viral, then we are essentially selling cheap education,” concluded Harry Yulianto.
The TikTok Teacher phenomenon ultimately serves as a mirror for the education world to adapt without losing its identity. Between creativity and controversy, the choice lies with the educator.
Fenomena ‘Guru TikTok’: Antara Media Pembelajaran Kreatif atau Konten Kontroversial?
WIN Media, Makassar, 9/3/2026 – Media sosial TikTok tidak lagi sekadar tempat berbagi video dansa atau lipsync. Dalam beberapa tahun terakhir, platform ini menjelma menjadi ruang belajar alternatif berkat munculnya para “Guru TikTok”. Namun, fenomena ini memicu perdebatan sengit: apakah ini bentuk kreativitas dalam menyampaikan materi, atau justru konten yang mereduksi esensi pendidikan?
Harry Yulianto, Pakar Teknologi Pendidikan dari STIE YPUP Makassar, memberikan pandangannya mengenai fenomena yang kian marak di lini masa ini.
Menurut Harry, kehadiran guru di TikTok adalah konsekuensi logis dari disrupsi digital. “Guru TikTok lahir dari kebutuhan untuk menjangkau siswa di habitat mereka. Gen Z dan Alpha hidup di dunia digital, jadi pendidik harus masuk ke sana. Ini inovasi yang sebenarnya positif,” ujar Harry.
Ia mencontohkan bagaimana guru-guru kreatif mampu menjelaskan rumus fisika atau sejarah melalui video pendek yang visual, ringkas, dan menghibur. Metode ini terbukti efektif memikat perhatian siswa yang sulit fokus di kelas konvensional.
Namun, Harry Yulianto juga menyoroti sisi gelap dari tren ini. “Masalah muncul ketika batas antara guru dan konten kreator kabur. Demi mengejar like dan viewers, tidak sedikit yang terjebak membuat konten yang mencari sensasi, bukan menyampaikan ilmu,” tegasnya.
Fenomena guru berjoget, berakting berlebihan, atau bahkan terlibat drama dengan sesama kreator demi popularitas dinilai dapat menurunkan wibawa profesi guru. “Yang dikhawatirkan adalah pesan edukasinya hilang, yang tersisa hanya hiburan semata. Ini kontroversial karena bisa menyesatkan persepsi publik tentang bagaimana proses belajar yang seharusnya,” tambah dosen STIE YPUP Makassar tersebut.
Harry menekankan pentingnya literasi digital bagi para pendidik. Menjadi kreatif di media sosial diperbolehkan, asalkan tidak mengorbankan nilai-nilai keprofesionalan.
“Kuncinya adalah proporsionalitas. Guru boleh tampil santai dan dekat dengan siswa, tapi tetap harus ada batasan (boundaries). Konten harus tetap mengedepankan kaidah pembelajaran yang benar. Jika hanya mencari viral, sama saja kita sedang menjual pendidikan murahan,” pungkas Harry Yulianto.
Fenomena Guru TikTok pada akhirnya menjadi cermin bagi dunia pendidikan untuk beradaptasi tanpa kehilangan jati diri. Antara kreativitas dan kontroversi, pilihan ada di tangan sang pendidik.