Survey reveals young Germans and TikTok users are highly susceptible to disinformation

50% of German Tik Tok users under 29 question claims about Russia’s involvement in disinformation campaigns.

Disinformation and conspiracy theories are rife in Germany, particularly among young people and TikTok users. This is sparking concern ahead of the forthcoming federal elections.

Disinformation and conspiracy theories are rife in Germany, particularly among young people and TikTok users, according to a new survey conducted by the Allensbach Institute for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The findings come amid growing concerns about the impact of foreign propaganda, especially from China and Russia, on German society ahead of its federal elections.

The study surveyed 2,000 people of all ages, examining narratives about foreign powers, vaccines, climate change and the coronavirus pandemic. Alarmingly, it reveals widespread acceptance of conspiracy theories and propaganda narratives, particularly among younger demographics.

Widespread mistrust and propaganda influence

The survey highlights that 30% of respondents do not believe claims that Russia deliberately spreads disinformation and 40% express similar scepticism regarding China. Among those under 29, this scepticism increases significantly, with 42% doubting Russia’s role in spreading falsehoods and over half expressing doubts about China’s involvement.

TikTok users are the most sceptical of assertions that these nations engage in disinformation campaigns, with 50% questioning claims about Russia’s involvement and 59% doubting claims about China’s.

Former Federal Minister of Justice Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, now Deputy Chairwoman of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, called the findings a wake-up call: “We still haven’t recognised the extent and danger of disinformation in our society. Young people are much more susceptible to it, and TikTok plays a crucial role in its spread,” she said.

Growing support for authoritarian narratives

One of the survey’s most striking findings is the growing perception among young people that autocratic systems are superior. While 81% of Germans overall believe China is a dictatorship, this figure drops to 67% among respondents under 29. One third of TikTok users believe China is not a dictatorship, and 42% of TikTok users see the Chinese government system as more efficient and successful than Western democracies.

The study also highlights troubling views on science-based issues. Only 71% of young people agree that vaccines have saved millions of lives, compared to 69% of TikTok users. Similarly, belief in human-caused climate change is low, with just 67% of young people and 64% of the general population agreeing with the statement.

The coronavirus pandemic remains a fertile ground for conspiracy theories. A quarter of respondents believe the pandemic was deliberately created by governments or elites, with this belief rising to 44% among TikTok users.

Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger stressed the need for greater media literacy and trust-building measures: “We must strengthen traditional media and finally teach responsible use of social media in schools. Extremists are deliberately attacking media credibility and trust in the media is at a low point,” she said.