The TikTok tactic | ARTE Europe Weekly

Summary

The video script discusses a potential political shift in Europe, driven by young voters aged between teenagers and 30-year-olds who are gravitating towards right-wing ideologies. This trend is particularly evident on social media platforms like TikTok, where far-right politicians are leveraging their influence to engage with the youth. The script highlights the success of these politicians in gaining followers and likes, which is translating into political support. It also raises concerns about the potential for misinformation and the emotional manipulation used by the far right to attract young voters. The upcoming European elections are a focal point, with predictions that right-wing parties may gain seats. The video calls for moderate parties to engage more effectively with young people on social media to counteract the influence of the far right.

Takeaways

• 🌐 A political shift to the right is being influenced by young voters in Europe, particularly through social media engagement.
• 📈 The far-right is effectively using platforms like TikTok to court the youth vote, with politicians turning into influencers to connect with younger demographics.
• 📊 Data from Politico shows that the far-right European Parliament group 'Identity and Democracy' is leading in terms of social media presence and likes on TikTok.
• 👥 Populist right-wing leaders, such as Jordan Bardella, are gaining significant followings by using relatable and simple messages aimed at young people.
• 📱 Social media is being utilized as a campaign tool by right-wing politicians, with humorous and provocative content going viral and attracting youth support.
• 📈 The far-right 'Identity and Democracy' group is posting more on TikTok and receiving more likes compared to other EU parliamentarians.
• 🔍 IPSOS predicts that right-wing parties will gain seats in the upcoming European elections, which could shift the balance within the European Parliament.
• 📉 Moderate parties are urged to increase their efforts on social media to engage with young people, as the 2019 Green Wave may have diminished.
• 📊 The success of the far right on social media does not always translate into votes, emphasizing the difference between online popularity and electoral support.
• 🚫 The far right's dominance on social media can lead to the spread of misinformation if not countered by other political voices.
• 🌟 Meeting young people on their preferred platforms is crucial; politicians who avoid social media risk leaving a void that can be filled by negative influences.

Q & A

What demographic is driving the political shift towards the right in Europe?

Young voters from teenagers to 30-year olds are propelling a shift to the right in Europe.

Which social media platform is mentioned as a key tool for far-right politicians to reach young voters?

TikTok is highlighted as a platform where far-right politicians are successfully engaging with young voters.

What is the name of the far-right European Parliament group that is ahead in terms of social media presence and likes on TikTok?

The far-right European Parliament group 'Identity and Democracy' is ahead of others in terms of social media presence and likes on TikTok.

How does Jordan Bardella use social media to appeal to young voters?

Jordan Bardella uses simple, relatable messages on TikTok, sharing personal moments and political speeches to create a personal connection with young voters.

What is the term used to describe the marketing strategy that combines entertainment and information to engage audiences emotionally?

The term used is 'go marketing', which aims to make the audience feel valued and emotionally engaged.

What is the prediction by Ipsos regarding right-wing parties in the upcoming European elections?

Ipsos predicts that right-wing parties are going to gain seats, with the European Conservatives potentially having 76 seats and the Identity and Democracy group as many as 81.

Why is it important for moderate parties to engage with young people on social media?

It is important because social media is a major source of information for young people, and if moderate parties do not engage, the far-right could fill the void with their messages.

What is the role of 'pre-bunk' in combating disinformation?

Pre-bunk involves debunking false claims before they have a chance to spread across social media, aiming to educate people on how to recognize and resist disinformation.

How has the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party leveraged social media, particularly TikTok, in its political strategy?

The AfD party has heavily invested in social media, with its TikTok accounts representing around 70% of the market share of political accounts in Germany. They also use artificial intelligence to produce content containing disinformation.

What is the potential impact of young voters on the outcome of the European elections?

Young voters could help tip the scales and push the EU towards the right, as they are becoming the primary target of every political party and their increased turnout can significantly influence election results.

What is the significance of the lowered voting age in some EU countries for the European elections?

The lowered voting age allows more young people to participate in the European elections, potentially increasing their impact on the political landscape and ensuring their voices are heard.