TikTok battleground
TikTok has become a central battleground of the global cognitive warfare waged by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Thanks to its growing number of users and highly immersive content, the social media application has become an important tool in shaping opinion and public perception. The CCP has been using the app to disseminate ideology and political messages, which has a profound impact on users in Taiwan and the West.
A high ratio of TikTok users have a positive view of China’s human rights issues. It is because the CCP has deliberately used the app’s algorithm to deliver content that serves its interests, aiming at secretly influencing users’ views toward China.
Videos boasting China’s economic achievements, social stability and cultural self-esteem are frequently delivered in users’ feeds. These videos glorify the CCP’s rule, and downplay its human rights issues and political oppression.
How do we guard against the CCP’s disinformation efforts on TikTok?
First, we should promote media literacy for TikTok users. Critical thinking is important in helping them identify potential propaganda and information manipulation.
Second, we should have diverse information sources instead of relying on TikTok. Reading news reports from different countries would provide a more comprehensive perspective than relying on one source.
Third, we should protect our privacy by not over-sharing our personal information to avoid improper use of data.
Finally, there should be collaboration between the government and the community regarding digital civic education to raise public awareness of the CCP’s information war.
TikTok, as a CCP weapon in global cognitive warfare, has a far-reaching impact. We should work together to defend ourselves against the CCP’s offenses — to ensure the truthfulness and accuracy of the information is the way to avoid being brainwashed by the CCP’s propaganda, and to protect Taiwan’s freedom and democracy.
Chang Ya-jou
Taipei
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