Come with me: The new age of reporting
Scrolling through social media, it’s common to see short clips of someone weaving through a bustling night market in Bangkok or documenting a protest in real time, camera in hand, saying, “Come with me to…” These “Come With Me” videos—popularized on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—represent a subtle but significant shift in the way news and information are consumed today.
Traditionally, news reporting has been a structured endeavor: reporters file stories through newspapers, television broadcasts, or official websites, with editors curating every word and frame. “Come With Me” videos, by contrast, offer an unfiltered, first-person perspective. The viewer is no longer a passive recipient of information but a virtual companion, walking the streets, hearing the sounds, and experiencing events as they unfold.
Media analysts suggest this trend reflects Gen Z’s desire for immediacy, authenticity, and immersive storytelling. “Audiences today crave experiences, not just information,” says Dr. Karen Liu, a media studies professor at NYU. “These videos recreate the sensation of being there, bridging the gap between journalism and lived experience.”
The format also challenges traditional gatekeeping in journalism. In a few minutes, creators can document local events, cultural phenomena, or political movements that might otherwise go unnoticed by mainstream outlets. While credibility and accuracy are sometimes questioned, this format undeniably amplifies voices and perspectives that were historically marginalized or overlooked.
It’s not just aspiring content creators sharing their perspective; brands and professional newsrooms are taking note. Some have begun experimenting with first-person, mobile-shot features that emulate the “Come With Me” style, blending the rigor of professional reporting with the intimacy and immediacy social media audiences expect.
Yet experts caution that while the format is compelling, it cannot fully replace traditional journalism. Context, verification, and analysis remain essential. “What makes these videos powerful is their ability to draw viewers in,” says Liu. “But without fact-checking and context, they risk becoming spectacle rather than substance.”
As digital storytelling evolves, “Come With Me” videos underscore a broader trend: news is no longer just read or watched—it is experienced. For viewers navigating an era of information overload, the allure of being virtually present, even for a few moments, offers a fresh lens on the world around them.
