TikTok: The Unlikely Player in Political Discourse

In an age where social media platforms dominate the way we consume information, TikTok has emerged as a surprising contender in the realm of news and politics. Despite being primarily recognized for its entertainment value, a recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals that TikTok is slowly gaining traction as a news source, albeit with a notable twist.

According to Pew’s findings, less than one percent of accounts followed by U.S. adults on TikTok are dedicated to news and politics. Instead, approximately half of all accounts followed belong to influencers and content creators, reflecting a broader cultural trend where entertainment often overshadows critical discussions about current events.

The study highlights that while political and news content is sparse on TikTok, 43% of users still follow accounts that discuss these topics. This indicates a growing awareness among users who may not actively seek out political content but still engage with it when it appears in their feed. This engagement is largely facilitated by TikTok's unique For You algorithm, which surfaces content from creators that users do not necessarily follow.

In stark contrast, other social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have a slightly higher percentage of political content. A previous Pew study found that 1% of accounts followed belonged to political figures, while 3% were media outlets or journalists. TikTok, however, only accounts for 0.4% of followed accounts related to news outlets and pundits.

Interestingly, the impact of influencers and celebrities on political discourse cannot be overlooked. A study from Harvard’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation highlights that endorsements from well-known personalities can significantly sway public opinion and increase voter engagement. For instance, when pop star Taylor Swift posted a link to register to vote in 2023, an impressive 35,000 individuals registered. Similarly, Ariana Grande's initiative to set up voter registration booths during her Sweetener tour led to an additional 33,000 registrations. Even YouTube influencers like David Dobrik made an impact, prompting 128,000 people to register to vote through a Tesla giveaway linked to voter registration.

Meanwhile, Instagram has taken a different approach by deprioritizing political content, leading to backlash from creators who feel stifled. Earlier this year, Meta announced that it would stop recommending political content on Instagram and Threads, resulting in a more constrained space for political discourse compared to the dynamic nature of TikTok.

As TikTok continues to grapple with scrutiny and the possibility of a ban due to concerns over its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, it remains a platform that facilitates political engagement in unexpected ways. With around 170 million Americans utilizing the app, its influence is undeniable.

In this evolving landscape, staying updated on the interplay between social media, politics, and current events is crucial. For those interested in following developments in this space, check out my Twitter for the latest updates.