German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has joined TikTok, a popular video platform, in a strategic move to gain support among young voters ahead of the summer European elections. This follows the trend of politicians using the platform to connect with their audience and shape political narratives.
As TikTok gains popularity among European decision-makers, concerns over its influence on politics are growing. In Finland, calls have been made to ban the platform due to harmful content and fears of user data being shared with Chinese authorities. The rise of far-right and extreme right parties on TikTok has also sparked concern across Europe.
The impact of TikTok on political power dynamics is evident, with young people’s favorite parties closely aligning with the platform’s trends. In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany party has found success on TikTok, attracting a significant following among 14-29 year olds. The party’s anti-immigration and anti-establishment views resonate with young audiences on the platform.
For politicians like Scholz and AfD’s Maximilian Krah, TikTok has become a battleground for engaging with young voters and shaping political narratives. The platform’s influence on elections is undeniable, with visibility on TikTok becoming a key factor in reaching and mobilizing young voters. As parties adapt to the TikTok phenomenon, its impact on European politics is likely to grow in the coming elections.
Scholz’s move to join TikTok can be seen as an attempt by him to appeal to younger voters who may not have traditionally supported his party or may not have been reached by other platforms such as Twitter or Facebook.
As TikTok continues to grow in popularity among European decision-makers, it will be important for politicians and policymakers alike to carefully consider its potential impact on politics and society as a whole.
It will be interesting to see how other politicians follow suit or resist joining this popular video platform before upcoming elections.