Researchers from Rutgers University have found that heavy TikTok users are more likely to have a favorable view of China, suggesting successful indoctrination. The study also revealed that TikTok’s algorithms actively suppress content critical of the Chinese Communist Party while boosting pro-China propaganda and irrelevant content. This manipulation of information has led to a distorted understanding of critical global issues among users, particularly heavy users. The report highlights the platform’s systematic suppression of discussions on sensitive topics like ethnic genocide and human rights abuses.
Users who spend between 15 minutes to 3 hours on the app experienced a 36 percent increase in their usage.
On the other hand, using YouTube and Instagram did not have a significant impact on users’ perceptions of China’s human rights record, according to the report.
This suggests that the content on TikTok may be influencing users psychologically, in line with the Chinese Communist Party’s goal of shaping positive perceptions among young people.
Additionally, heavy TikTok users were found to have a 48 percent increase in their belief that Tiananmen Square is primarily a tourist destination.
Researchers suggested the establishment of a Civic Trust, funded by both social media platforms and the public, to identify platforms that are manipulating user perceptions.
The report emphasizes the importance of holding social media platforms accountable if they are undermining democratic principles. Corrective measures must be taken to prevent platforms from being used by state actors to undermine democratic values and institutions.
