Young voters in pivotal election battlegrounds are being inundated with misleading and divisive content on TikTok, according to a recent investigation by the BBC. Among the disturbing finds are fake AI-generated videos featuring political leaders, misinformation, and clips riddled with abusive comments.
As TikTok emerges as a crucial platform in electoral discourse, political parties have engaged in a meme war to capture the attention of its predominantly young user base. However, the investigation uncovered a darker side, revealing that alongside humorous montages, young users are being exposed to content that skews facts and fosters division. As the 2024 elections approach, particularly the highly anticipated Trump vs. Biden rematch, the stakes are higher than ever.
TikTok trends in 2024 show a significant increase in politically charged content. Videos with hundreds of thousands of views have propagated unfounded rumors, such as claims that a scandal forced an early election call by Rishi Sunak and baseless allegations implicating Sir Keir Starmer in the failure to prosecute Jimmy Savile. Satirical AI-generated clips depict Sunak pleading to retain power and make unsupported assertions about his expenditure of public funds.
Moreover, misleading claims about national service pledges and inflammatory remarks suggesting deployment to conflict zones have been circulated, causing confusion among viewers about the veracity of the content. These trends illustrate the powerful role the TikTok algorithm plays in amplifying sensational and often misleading content, which can have significant implications for public opinion and voting behavior.
TikTok responded to these findings by affirming its increased investment in countering misinformation for the UK general election. Measures include the addition of a fact-checking expert and the adoption of AI-labeling technology. These steps are part of a broader effort to address the spread of false information and to ensure that the platform can be a more reliable source of news.
The BBC’s Undercover Voters project, which created fictional profiles representing diverse voter demographics, uncovered concerning trends. Profiles of voters in key constituencies revealed that TikTok, in particular, fostered vibrant political discourse, especially among younger demographics. This demographic is crucial in the upcoming 2024 elections, where the battle between Trump and Biden will be influenced by how effectively each campaign can leverage TikTok trends.
TikTok’s exponential growth since the last election has positioned it as a significant source of news, with one in ten teenagers considering it their primary news outlet. However, this influence comes with risks, as the platform’s algorithms amplify misleading content, potentially shaping public opinion. The emergence of AI-generated videos adds another layer of complexity, as it becomes increasingly difficult for users to discern between authentic content and sophisticated fakes.
The investigation further highlighted the prevalence of abusive comments and fake accounts promoting political agendas. Despite assurances from some creators that their content is meant for satire, the proliferation of misinformation remains a critical concern. This is particularly pertinent in the context of the Trump vs. Biden contest, where both sides are likely to use every tool at their disposal to sway undecided voters.
As the election season unfolds, the impact of TikTok on shaping political narratives, especially among young voters, underscores the urgent need for platforms and regulators to address misinformation and ensure the integrity of democratic processes. The role of the TikTok algorithm and the rise of AI-generated videos are pivotal in this context, as they can significantly influence the perceptions and decisions of the electorate
