Tik Talks

The "TikTalks": The aim of this project is to develop and implement innovative approaches to combat online radicalization on the TikTok platform. The focus is on comprehensive training and workshops as effective interventions to understand the various forms and styles of communication used by extremist groups. Our project aims to create a radical content library that provides the current state of communication styles within different extremist groups as well as a holistic overview of the general language of radicalization online. Additionally, we aim to develop interventions based on our research findings in the form of e.g. trainings that will be made available as open source for various stakeholders.

What problem is being addressed by the project?

The current research gap concerning the social media platform TikTok, which has established itself as one of the most prominent among adolescent users, urgently requires measures to prevent online radicalization. TikTok exhibits significant potential for the radicalization of individuals, as it is inadequately monitored compared to other platforms. Furthermore, the conventional taxonomic classification of extremist movements into the dichotomy of "right" or "left" is losing relevance, as these movements operate in a fragmented and disorganized manner, rendering traditional categories less significant. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a precise, language-based prevention strategy. In this context, the present project aims to explore the continuously evolving and partially coded language of radicalization and to distinctly identify and elaborate on common linguistic conventions, such as the dehumanization of "opponents" and the cultivation of group-related identities.

The innovation of the current project manifests in several aspects: Firstly, the conception of an evidence-based intervention model is innovative, as it bridges an urgent research need with the development of preventive measures against radicalization. This involves identifying and utilizing a real research gap (TikTok and its content suggestion systems) to develop tailored interventions based on a solid scientific foundation.

Another innovative aspect of this project is the holistic approach that integrates both bottom-up and top-down methodologies. This is achieved through the use of focus group-based methods for targeted investigation of TikTok content in the context of specific extremist groups, as well as through a more open-ended approach where extremist content is identified in a broader manner. This combined approach enables a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of radicalization on TikTok and opens up new insights into the communication strategies and patterns of extremist actors.

Furthermore, a unique feature of this project is the consideration of the complex functioning of algorithm-based content suggestion systems on platforms like TikTok. These systems are highly individualized and respond, according to initial research, to sociodemographic trends. The project takes these nuances into account and incorporates them into the sampling strategy. This allows for an in-depth analysis of how various content is distributed depending on the life circumstances of young adults in Bavaria (such as educational level, urban or rural residence, minority status) and how this distribution affects the dynamics of radicalization.

What is the innovation of the project?

Understanding different communication forms/styles of extremist groups

We will conduct a thorough analysis of the communication forms and styles of various extremist groups on TikTok. This will enable us to identify the specific characteristics and tactics used by these groups to radicalize young people

Radical Content Library

We will create an extensive database that includes the current state of communication styles within various extremist groups as well as a comprehensive overview of general radicalization language. This content library will provide valuable insights into the development of radicalization on TikTok.

Trainings and Workshops as Intervention Methods

We will develop and conduct comprehensive trainings and workshops to specifically target young people aged 18 to 25. These trainings aim to help participants recognize potential signs of radicalization on TikTok and to impart prevention strategies. Additionally, the workshops will empower young people to independently identify radicalized content in accordance with our free and democratic values.

Open Source Intervention Materials and Creation of a Teacher’s Guide

We will make all developed intervention materials available as open source to facilitate dissemination and adaptation to different contexts. Furthermore, we will create a teacher’s guide to help educators and educational representatives recognize signs of radicalization in their students' language and take preventive measures.