Users on TikTok are forming political echo chambers by predominantly following accounts that align with their political beliefs. Right-leaning users tend to be more isolated than their left-leaning counterparts, showing a preference for tightly connected communities with shared views. The study analyzed over 16 million videos and highlighted that political content creation increases engagement, particularly among users with strong political affiliations. With the growing trend of young adults sourcing news from TikTok, the implications for political discourse and media consumption are significant.
People on TikTok largely adhere to political echo chambers, favoring accounts that align with their existing beliefs, dismissing opposing viewpoints, particularly in conservative communities.
Our analysis identifies right-leaning TikTok users as forming more insulated networks, avoiding diverse political discussions, whereas liberal users exhibit a broader engagement with varied opinions.
The engagement on TikTok, characterized by likes and comments, incentivizes users with strong political biases to create content, amplifying their existing views in a self-reinforcing cycle.
With nearly 40% of U.S. adults under 30 using TikTok for news, the platform's influence on political views and information consumption raises significant questions about media consumption.
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