Janice R. Andrews
A new survey reveals that Germans who primarily get their news from TikTok are less critical of Russia and China compared to those who rely on traditional media, raising concerns about the platform’s impact on younger audiences.
TikTok’s Role in Shaping Opinions
The survey, carried out by the Allensbach Institute on behalf of Germany’s Free Democrats (FDP), analyzed the views of 2,000 Germans at the end of 2024. It compared opinions of individuals consuming news via traditional outlets such as newspapers and TV to those using social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
The findings reveal distinct differences in attitudes toward global issues such as China’s governance and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with TikTok users—particularly younger audiences—exhibiting more sympathetic perspectives.
Key Insights
- China as a Dictatorship
- 57% of newspaper readers and 56.5% of TV viewers agreed that China is a dictatorship.
- Among TikTok users, agreement dropped significantly to 28.1%.
- For Germans aged 16–29, 62% of TikTok users agreed with the statement, compared to 67% across all platforms in that age group.
- Support for Ukraine
- 40.2% of newspaper readers supported Western backing for Ukraine, versus just 13.6% of TikTok users.
- Among X and YouTube users, support was 29.8%, reflecting a middle ground.
- Agreement with the statement “Russia is conducting an illegal war of aggression against Ukraine” was 78% overall, but dipped to 70% among those aged 16–29.
- COVID-19 Vaccines
- 71% of respondents under 29 years old believed vaccines had saved millions of lives, slightly higher than 69% among TikTok users.
Concerns About TikTok’s Impact
Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, deputy chair of the foundation that commissioned the survey, highlighted the susceptibility of young people to misinformation.
“Young people are far more vulnerable to information, and TikTok plays a decisive role. We must not allow Chinese and Russian misinformation to spread unchecked,” she warned.
TikTok Under Scrutiny
The findings emerge as TikTok faces growing scrutiny in Western nations. Owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, the platform has been accused of enabling disinformation campaigns aligned with the interests of Beijing and Moscow.
In the United States, a federal ban on TikTok was recently upheld by the Supreme Court, citing national security concerns. These debates have raised alarms about the potential misuse of TikTok to influence public opinion and advance geopolitical agendas.
German Elections and Social Media Influence
The survey is particularly significant as Germany prepares for upcoming elections next month. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has gained significant support among younger voters, is currently polling second nationwide. Since TikTok’s user base skews younger, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on election outcomes.
Broader Implications
The survey underscores the influence of social media on shaping political views, especially among younger generations. TikTok’s growing popularity has spotlighted its potential role in spreading misinformation, fueling global debates on the need for regulation and transparency.
Governments and policymakers now face the challenge of addressing these issues while protecting the freedoms associated with social media platforms. The findings highlight the urgent need to understand and mitigate the risks posed by platforms like TikTok in influencing democratic processes.
As Germany enters a pivotal election period, the survey serves as a reminder of how digital platforms can not only shape opinions but also affect political trajectories.
