In recent weeks, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has joined the popular video platform Tiktok. This move was no coincidence, as Scholz recognized the importance of being visible on social media platforms to appeal to younger voters ahead of upcoming elections in Europe.
Despite his initial joking announcement that he wouldn’t be dancing on the platform, Scholz’s team understood that politicians who are trending on Tiktok are gaining support in surveys. This realization has caused a sense of panic among European decision-makers, as some countries consider banning the app due to concerns about harmful content and data privacy.
In Finland, for example, some MPs in the coalition want to ban Tiktok due to these concerns. Meanwhile, extreme right and far-right parties have been performing well on the app compared to other parties across Europe. The Identity and Democracy Group of the European Parliament has a large following on Tiktok and their support is increasing.
This rise in popularity on Tiktok has started to influence power dynamics in real-world elections, with young people’s favorite parties in Finland and Germany being influenced by the app. The far-right Alternative for Germany party has seen significant visibility on Tiktok and other parties are also rushing to establish a presence on the platform.
The German government, especially the AfD, have embraced Tiktok as a way to connect with young voters. However, recent scandals and limitations on visibility have impacted their presence on the platform. As the European elections approach, Tiktok has become a critical tool for politicians to reach and engage with younger voters.
In conclusion, Tiktok has become a significant factor in the political landscape of Europe, influencing public opinion and election outcomes. It has become a battleground for different political ideologies to compete for the support of young voters. As politicians continue to navigate this digital space, it is likely that Tiktok will continue to play an important role in shaping European politics in the future.
