CDU demands Tikok ban: Youth between freedom and fake news!

CDU demands Tikok ban: Youth between freedom and fake news!

Schleswig-Holstein, Deutschland - CDU politician and Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, Daniel Günther, recently presented a proposal that could cause discussions: a ban on Tikkok for under 16 year olds. This step is regarded as a measure against the growing spread of "fake news" among young people. Günther describes himself as a left wing and, in his political orientation, is perceived by the ruling coalition with the Greens as moral and climate -oriented. His demand also brings the support of Karin Prien, the Federal Minister of Education from Schleswig-Holstein.

The proposal is no coincidence. On Tikkok, a platform that has gained enormously in popularity in recent years, a striking number of videos spread that are critical of migration policy and address patriotic content. The phenomenon of the "East Mulls", young women who dance to patriotic music videos are particularly striking. These developments have led to the fact that young and first -choice voters in particular increasingly increase opposition parties such as the AfD, which is problematic for established politicians and Günther.

disinformation and youth

A survey carried out by the Institut Allensbach illustrates the growing concern about political education among young people and their influence by social media. In a survey that included around 2,000 people of all ages, around 67% of the 16 to 29 year olds stated that they regarded China as a dictatorship, while consent among TikTok users was 62% lower. In the assessment of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, 70% of the young people surveyed agree, with Tikk-users also showing more doubts here.

Another knowledge from the survey shows that 44% of TikTok users believe that Corona pandemic was deliberately caused. This suggests that young people are particularly susceptible to disinformation, which is underpinned by comments by experts, such as Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, the Tiktok attribute a decisive role in this development.

social media and their importance for young people

social media are an integral part of the life of young people. According to the JIM study in 2022, 95% of young people surveyed use the Internet every day. The most popular platforms include Instagram (31%), TikTok (24%) and YouTube (23%). Tikkok scores particularly with an average service life of 107 minutes a day. Access to smartphones is also high: 94% of 12 to 13 year olds have one, and for the 18 to 19 year olds it is even 99%.

The function of social media extends beyond the entertainment. They serve as a guide for personal identity, enable social comparisons and contribute to the detachment from the parents' home. The mechanisms of these platforms are decisive: the constant availability of new content, the mechanisms of recognition through likes and shares as well as the competition for attention increases the influence on the social identity of young people.

A critical examination of these content and its effects on the life of young people is therefore essential. There is an urgent need for digital education to train young people, parents and teachers in dealing with social media. The responsibility also lies with the platforms themselves, which should regularly monitor their content for violations. It is important to improve age verifications to ensure that young people are protected from potentially harmful content.

The discussion about regulating social media becomes not only a political but also on a pedagogical topic that will initiate additional debates.