Weaponized Algorithms: TikTok and the CCP’s United Front Strategy in Taiwan:

Findings from Doublethink Lab

This is an English summary of a Chinese language news report on https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/7/24/n14559632.htm

分析：TikTok在中共统战台湾中扮演的角色 | 中共外宣在台湾 | 中共渗透 | 大纪元

Context:

• On June 22, 2025, at Academia Sinica’s Institute of Sociology (Taiwan), researcher Eric Hsu from Doublethink Lab presented recent findings on TikTok’s role in the CCP’s "united front" influence operations.

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Public Concerns About TikTok:

• Data Security Risks: TikTok collects large amounts of user data, raising privacy concerns.

• Algorithmic Manipulation: Its content recommendation system subtly inserts political messaging.

• Cognitive Reshaping: Short-video format alters how young people consume information and form opinions.

• Political Influence: Suspected use of the platform to amplify CCP narratives in Taiwan, especially around election periods.

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Research Basis:

• Two major studies by Doublethink Lab:

  • “2025 TikTok Taiwan Adolescent User Survey”

  • National Quantitative Survey of TikTok Users

• Key reports:

  • 2025 TikTok User Survey: Nationwide Online Poll Results

  • Where Is TikTok Taking Us? Active TikTok Use and Cognitive Reshaping of Taiwanese Democratic Politics

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Key Findings – Youth Use of TikTok:

• Platform appeal:

  • Trendy, bite-sized content

  • Highly engaging algorithm

  • Unique social features

• Political messaging pattern:

  • After several entertainment clips, the algorithm pushes 2–3 political videos

  • Content themes include:

    • War and military conflict

    • “One family on both sides of the Strait”

    • Corruption in Taiwanese politics

    • Legislative chaos

  • This pattern intensified before Taiwan’s 2024 elections

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Taiwanese Youth Attitudes (from interviews):

• View of China:

  • Seen as efficient, modernized

  • Authoritarianism viewed as necessary for managing a large country

• Perception of Threat:

  • Low awareness of CCP political influence

  • Weak sense of resistance or urgency

  • Some believe unification would have little impact on daily life

  • Fear of war may drive some to prefer surrender over conflict

• Opposition to Bans:

  • Most oppose banning TikTok

  • See it as a matter of personal freedom and self-discipline

• Acknowledgment of harms:

  • Users noted exposure to cyberbullying, suicide/self-harm content, and child exploitation

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Findings from the National Survey:

• Political information sources:

  • Active TikTok users rely heavily on KOLs (internet influencers)

  • Trust in traditional news is lower among these users

• Political preferences:

  • Lower support for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)

  • Higher support for the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP)

• Perceived CCP beneficiaries:

  • Respondents believe CCP influence would most benefit the Kuomintang (KMT)

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Conclusions and Warnings:

• Cognitive risks:

  • TikTok alters how information is processed—favors emotional, narrative-driven content

  • Increases susceptibility to manipulation and conspiracy narratives

• Political risk:

  • Frequent use correlates with pro-China leanings

  • Internet addiction compounds the risk

  • Users often lack awareness or resistance to foreign influence

• Democratic vulnerability:

  • These trends could undermine Taiwan’s democratic resilience and electoral integrity