TikTok and the 2024 Election – How a Social Media Giant is Shaping America’s Politics

TikTok isn’t just the app of choice for dance trends and viral recipes—it’s also one of the most powerful platforms shaping public opinion today. With over 150 million users in the U.S. alone, many of them in the coveted 18-34 demographic, TikTok has become a significant force in politics. But what happens when the algorithm behind this app quietly pushes political messaging to millions of impressionable users?

As we head into the 2024 election, concerns are growing over TikTok’s potential influence on young voters. From favoring certain narratives to amplifying divisive content, TikTok’s role in American politics deserves scrutiny.

How TikTok’s Algorithm Works

TikTok’s power lies in its For You Page (FYP)—the personalized feed of videos that users see when they open the app. This feed is curated by a complex algorithm designed to maximize engagement by showing users content they’re likely to interact with. However, the same algorithm can also be used to influence political opinions by subtly prioritizing certain types of content.

Here’s how it works:

1. Data Collection: TikTok collects vast amounts of data on user behavior, including likes, shares, watch time, and even subtle cues like pauses or rewinds.

2. Content Amplification: The algorithm identifies trending topics and amplifies them to reach a wider audience. This can make certain narratives seem more popular than they actually are.

3. Echo Chambers: By showing users content aligned with their existing views, TikTok reinforces their beliefs and creates echo chambers, making it harder for them to see opposing perspectives.

Why TikTok’s Influence Matters in the 2024 Election

TikTok’s reach and algorithmic precision give it an unprecedented ability to shape public opinion, especially among younger voters. Here’s why this matters in the 2024 election:

1. Swaying Young Voters: TikTok is particularly popular among Gen Z and Millennials—key demographics that political campaigns are eager to win over. The platform’s ability to subtly promote or suppress political content can influence these voters’ opinions and decisions.

2. Amplifying Divisive Narratives: TikTok’s algorithm favors engagement, which often means prioritizing controversial or polarizing content. This can deepen divisions among voters, making political discourse more combative and less constructive.

3. Foreign Influence: TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, raising concerns about potential foreign influence. Critics argue that the platform could be used to subtly push narratives favorable to Chinese interests or to sow discord in the U.S.

Real-World Examples of TikTok’s Political Influence

TikTok has already played a role in shaping political conversations in recent years:

• The 2020 Election: TikTok users organized a viral campaign to reserve tickets for a Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, without intending to attend, creating the appearance of low turnout. This event demonstrated how the platform could be mobilized for political purposes.

• Political Trends and Challenges: From hashtags promoting climate change activism to viral videos opposing certain candidates, TikTok has become a platform where political narratives spread rapidly, often reaching millions within hours.

• Misinformation Campaigns: TikTok has faced criticism for allowing misinformation to thrive, with false claims about candidates or policies spreading unchecked on the platform.

The Danger of Unseen Bias

One of the most concerning aspects of TikTok’s influence is that it operates invisibly. Unlike traditional media, where editorial bias can be scrutinized, TikTok’s algorithm works behind the scenes, shaping what users see without their knowledge. This creates several risks:

1. Lack of Transparency: Users have no way of knowing why certain videos are promoted or how the algorithm decides what to show.

2. Manipulation of Public Opinion: The platform can be used to subtly shift narratives, promoting one candidate while suppressing another without users realizing it.

3. Erosion of Critical Thinking: By reinforcing existing beliefs and limiting exposure to opposing viewpoints, TikTok’s algorithm discourages nuanced understanding of complex political issues.

How Parents and Voters Can Respond

As TikTok continues to grow in influence, it’s essential to understand its potential impact on politics and take steps to counter its effects:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn how TikTok’s algorithm works and stay informed about the types of content being promoted on the platform.

2. Monitor Usage: Parents should be aware of what their children are consuming on TikTok and discuss the potential biases of the content they see.

3. Diversify Information Sources: Encourage young voters to seek information from a variety of sources, including reputable news outlets and direct candidate statements, to avoid falling into echo chambers.

4. Advocate for Regulation: Push for greater transparency and accountability from social media platforms like TikTok, ensuring that algorithms are not being used to manipulate public opinion.

Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance

As America moves into the 2024 election season, the influence of platforms like TikTok cannot be ignored. While it offers opportunities for political engagement, it also presents significant risks for democracy, particularly when its algorithm operates without oversight or transparency.

By electing Donald Trump, voters chose a leader committed to protecting America from foreign interference and ensuring that our elections remain fair and free. As concerns about TikTok’s influence grow, staying informed and vigilant will be critical to safeguarding the integrity of American democracy.