Autistic Composer and Husband Find Unexpected Connection with Gen Z on TikTok

Key points

• Kari Burroughs Kraakevik and her husband Joshua, a 24-year age gap couple, formed the musical duo Take Two and began posting piano covers on TikTok.
• The couple accumulated over 100,000 followers and received 1,897 song requests, with 70% of their audience being under the age of 20.
• Kraakevik, an autistic woman, previously spent decades 'masking' her behaviors, such as swaying or using a high-pitched voice, to appear professional and socially acceptable.
• A viral video of Kraakevik performing 'Sue Me' while sick in pajamas without makeup highlighted her authenticity, which young viewers interpreted as safe and trustworthy.
• The experience has helped Kraakevik accept her natural behaviors, realizing that the traits she tried to hide are perceived by others as warm and motherly.

Background

This story follows a broader trend of viral social media moments where authenticity or unexpected vulnerability captures public attention, contrasting with the curated perfection often seen in celebrity culture. Recent viral incidents, such as the backlash against a 'mom of the year' clip or outrage over 'marriage sacrifices' lists, highlight how online audiences react strongly to perceived authenticity or manipulation. Kraakevik’s success stands out as a positive example of genuine connection, where the lack of editing and the presence of human error resonated with a generation accustomed to AI and auto-tuned media.

Why it matters

The story illustrates a shift in social media consumption where audiences, particularly younger generations, are increasingly valuing unfiltered, human interactions over polished, algorithmic perfection. It highlights the potential for neurodivergent individuals to find community and acceptance through digital platforms, challenging traditional norms of social masking and professional presentation.

What to watch

Kraakevik continues to perform with Joshua as Take Two, maintaining her presence on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. She is in the process of re-evaluating her social strategies, moving from strict masking to selective authenticity, while continuing to manage her large backlog of song requests through a color-coded spreadsheet.