Com167-Report Case Study
Com167-Report Case Study
Com167-Report Case Study
SUBJECT:
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES (COM167)
TITLE:
FAKE NEWS AND MEDIA LITERACY:
CASE STUDY OF TIKTOK
PREPARED BY:
GROUP:
N5MC1101C
PREPARED FOR:
MADAM FARAH HAZWEEN BINTI AMANAH
DATE SUBMISSION:
4 JANUARY 2024
1
TABLE OF CONTENT
CONTENT PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 3
3.1 INDIVIDUAL
3.2 SOCIETY
5-8
3.3 GOVERNMENT
3.4 MEDIA INDUSTRY
4.1 INDIVIDUAL
4.2 SOCIETY
9-12
4.3 GOVERNMENT
4.4 MEDIA INDUSTRY
5.0 CONCLUSION 13
REFERENCES 14-15
2
1.0 INTRODUCTION
According to Jiang xiao Yu (2019), TikTok went live on the internet in September of
2016. China has already surpassed 150 million daily active users in 2018, and the country has
over 300 million monthly active users. With over 500 million active users worldwide each
month, TikTok's international version has also emerged as the most downloaded app from the
Apple store worldwide. Alex Miltsov (2020) said TikTok is a social network for sharing videos,
was introduced in 2017 and soon rose to prominence as one of the most widely used social
media sites worldwide. The app is primarily used by young people who use it to make, share,
and watch short videos. Numerous features found on other social media platforms, like user
profiles, comments, and "likes," are also present in the app (see also Miltsov (2017)).
Nevertheless, the spread of the corona virus epidemic, which began in China in
December 2019, is the new normal that is causing fake news to proliferate in Malaysia. Fake
news about COVID-19 and other topics, particularly the rise in online sales, is still being
disseminated throughout the Malaysian community. On social media, fake news is becoming
more and more common. The Malaysian community uses social media to communicate with
one another. People can congregate and communicate through social media, just like on social
networking sites, regardless of their status or position (Siti Ezaleila & Mustafa, 2016). This
fake news has been disseminated to the public and is not real. Numerous instances of fake news
in the past have involved different demographics. Because fake news spreads false information
on social media, it also makes it possible for someone to become a cybercriminal (Ummu Hanis
Jeffri et al. (2021)).
According to Asliza Musa (2023), compared to 48 cases over the course of the
previous year, the number of fake news cases in the nation showed a sharp increase last month,
to 35 cases.These examples demonstrate how TikTok is used as a platform for the dissemination
of false information. According to Mohd Azli Adlan (2022) on Online Kosmo News, following
a significant flood last Sunday, the police are planning to take severe measures against a user
of a TikTok account who is allegedly spreading a fake video saying that the Manir Bridge is
going to collapse.
3
2.0 ISSUE RECOGNITION
The issues that we focus on revolve around fake news and media literacy on social
media, specifically on TikTok. Fake news refers to news articles that claim to be based on facts
but purposely include untrue information to stir emotions, attract a larger audience, or deceive
readers. (Wardle and Derakhshan, 2017). TikTok, a widely social media platform where users
can produce, view and share videos captured via mobile devices or webcams (D’Souza, 2023).
The advancement of 'TikTok' has enabled ordinary people to generate content that could
potentially reach millions of users worldwide. While this could be beneficial for healthcare
providers in the future by offering reliable and easily accessible information, it also carries the
risk of spreading misinformation when utilized by unqualified individuals. (O’Sullivan et al.,
2022). Misleading and incorrect posts often originate from fake profiles specifically designed
to spread false information. Such misleading and inaccurate content tends to gather significant
engagement, thereby gaining more visibility within the algorithm of the social network.
(Alonso-López et al., 2021).
From the statement above, it highlights the widespread of fake news on TikTok among
its users. This case study highlights a significant issue, the erosion of trust in media,
particularly TikTok, as a reliable source of information. TikTok's credibility has been
weakened, leading users to seek information elsewhere, perceiving the app as lacking
credibility. This increase of misleading content, such as false information about vaccines
during the pandemic, affects substantial risks to public health by influencing individuals'
beliefs. Furthermore, political propaganda stands out as a prevalent form of false news
circulating on TikTok. As a widely used platform in this generation, TikTok has played an
important role in political campaigns, influencing voters' opinions and actions. TikTok users
include all age groups, but for children and the elderly, distinguishing between reliable and
fake news can be challenging. Evidently, fake news has significant consequences, highlighting
the crucial need to prevent its ongoing spread for the sake of maintaining peace and halting the
circulation of misleading information.
4
3.0 INFORMATION ENGAGEMENT
3.1 Individual
In our current times where everyone is using the internet for news, dealing with fake
news in the post-digital culture is a challenge. It is journalism that uploads the truth, quality,
and credibility of all the information and media available. Digital platforms pose a threat to the
erosion of these fundamentals. Therefore, participants are mindful of the possible existence of
fake news and the importance of making sure a story is true After evaluating a source's
credibility or possibly out of caution for another reason, participants are engaging in NLBs.
Thus, they will fact-check using different kinds of techniques to confirm the news they are
reading (Sameera Tahira Ahmed, 2023).
News Guard researchers also found that TikTok’s search engine is consistently
feeding millions of young user’s health misinformation. This can be very dangerous to some
of the user's health because they may see the information and take it seriously. Therefore, since
the spread of fake health news, TikTok has recently begun removing abortion related videos
that violate its policy against medical misinformation. This also includes those who share
potentially dangerous advice and wrong information with an individual and the community of
TikTok. So, TikTok has made it clear that they will not allow harmful misinformation, and that
includes medical information. If that ever happened to an individual, they would remove it
from the platform (Emma Tucker, 2022).
5
3.2 Society
Teenagers all over the world are using TikTok as a very popular platform. Therefore,
the interaction between youth and the app is very important. TikTok has been a platform for
teenagers to make and share videos. Thus, making creative expression using the filter and
forming a social connection through the platforms. However, there a cases where videos can
be edited or changed to generate misleading narratives or fake news. Teenagers discover the
platform intriguing because of its simple user interface, extensive selection of music, and
algorithm-driven content recommendation system. The shorter attention spans frequently
associated with younger viewers are in line with TikTok’s emphasis on short, entertaining
videos (Pavithra Madushanka, 2023).
The content of TikTok has been a system of recommender and data collection.
Practically it is a dangerous platform for young users where there can be negative videos such
as depressive and suicidal content posted. As a result, this will risk the user and worsen their
mental health with the news that is not even professional. According to Lisa Dittmer the
Amnesty International Researcher, TikTok is exposed to addictive design practices where
young adults are challenged with mental health due to misleading information on the app (Lisa
Dittmer, 2023)
6
3.3 Government
TikTok and a number of news outlets have chosen to halt operations within the nation.
This step is to lessen and suspend operations in the country and to maintain the safety of
employees and the community that uses the app. The most recent crisis that involved the
government was when the Russian people used TikTok as a political battleground. Young
people have been creating videos to give and show support. However, it also showed to rally
against the government’s treatment of anti-authoritarian and anti-corruption politicians
(Rebecca Bellan, 2022)
With Joe Biden himself, he had warned that the integrity of American elections is
under threat. This is due to the misleading information that is spread on TikTok where everyone
in the world is using the app. TikTok has announced a slew of politics aimed at the election
misinformation that is spreading rapidly through the app. Thus, the application itself has laid
out guidelines and safety measures to help ensure the election. Therefore, any election content
that is posted and launched will need approval. TikTok also announced that the company will
verify government account to make sure there is no videos aimed at campaign fundraising.
They also conclude that they can block verified political accounts from using money-making
features available to influencers on the app and that includes digital payments and gifting (Kari
Paul, 2022).
7
3.4 Media Industry
When news started to change lanes and move to social media, there was a huge risk
to the journalism industry. TikTok has ensured that according to data, half of the community is
young users. Where they can create and post misleading videos. A study in 2022 has found that
TikTok searched 20% of videos and stories are fake news. Social media are said to be the most
powerful platform where well-resourced companies in the world. Misleading information is a
big problem, but these companies they are expertise to tackle this problem head-on (Corporate
responsibility, 2023)
8
4.0 OPTION CONSIDERATION
4.1 INDIVIDUAL
For TikTok users that constantly stumble upon suspicious news, they should check the
source of the news by investigate the profile that posted the information. On their profile, find
for verification badge and number of followers. That will show you if that person is a trusted
source or not. Also, try to watch their old videos and comments on the video. People who
commented on the video can be indicator whether the news shared is authentic or fake.
Other tips for TikTok user, they also can independently recheck the news on other
websites that shared news professionally, like Astro Awani, Harian Metro and other trusted
sources. This tip is one of the easiest ways to detect and avoid you from fake news that
floating around the app.
9
4.2 SOCIETY
What is the step that society can do to avoid fake news on TikTok? Well, it is easy.
Since most of the fake news are spread unknowingly by the society themselves, the Gen-Z or
Generation Z, can teach the society on how to detect the fake news. Why Gen-Z? Because
they are growing up with all electronic gadgets and they know how to use the apps and tools
wisely. Compared to other generations who are not born or grow up with those devices and
apps like TikTok.
10
4.3 GOVERNMENT
To avoid the society spread fake news rapidly, government can make a collaboration
with non-governmental organisation and the media industry itself to encounter the issues of
misleading data together. Government can allocate funds for cooperative initiatives designed
to debunk misinformation. This funding can be applied to research, educational initiatives,
and the creation of technological gear to detect and dispute false information.
Next, government, especially on Ministry of Communication and Multimedia, can
make public service announcement through radio, television, and other media that are
relevant to the society. This can help society to become aware about fake news, without
having to join a campaign or programme physically. Repetitive announcements will make the
society remember the advice about fake news that floating on TikTok.
11
4.4 MEDIA INDUSTRY
There are few ways to make the society stop spreading and believing fake news
easily. On behalf of the media industry itself, they can collaborate with IT specialist, make a
system or tools that can detect fake news immediately. This collaboration does bring benefit
to the industry and society because it will hire experts and journalists to look into the veracity
of statements, claims, or content. Through the collaboration, they can easily breakdown any
misleading information and straight away providing verified information.
Next, media industry can try to approach society through campaigns to raise their
awareness about the presence of fake news on TikTok. This will make society became more
aware and take the advice as a precautious step to avoid fake news. Plus, if the media
practitioner themselves approach the society, they will believe without any hesitation. In the
end, it will benefit everyone because there’s no need for journalists and experts to investigate
deeply about one suspicious news.
12
5.0 CONCLUSION
13
REFERENCES
Alonso-López, N., Bautista, P. S., & Giacomelli, F. (2021). Beyond challenges and viral
dance moves: TikTok as a vehicle for disinformation and fact-checking in Spain, Portugal,
Brazil, and the USA. Anàlisi: Quaderns De Comunicació I Cultura, 64, 65.
https://doi.org/10.5565/rev/analisi.3411
Asliza Musa. (2023, February 26). Kes Berita Palsu Meningkat. Utusan Malaysia Online News.
https://www.utusan.com.my/nasional/2023/02/kes-berita-palsu-meningkat/.
Corporate Responsibility (2023), “How misinformation on social media has changed news”,
U.S PIRG Https://pirg.org/edfund/articles/misinformation-on-social-media/ (accessed 16
December 2023) (technical)
Dimitra Sotiraki (2023), “Media Framing by The Washington Post on TikTok: Shaping Public
Perception of the Ukraine Conflict” (Communication for development, Malmo University),
h.2-14. https://mau.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1798787?FULLTEXT02.pdf .
D’Souza, D. (2023, November 28). TikTok: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It's Popular.
Investopedia. Retrieved January 3, 2024, from https://www.investopedia.com/whatis-tiktok-
4588933
Emma Tucker (2022), “TikTok’s search engine repeatedly delivers misinformation to its
majority-young user base, report says”, CNN Business
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/18/business/tiktok-search-engine-misinformation/index.html
(accessed 12 December 2023). (technical)
Jiang Xiao Yu. (2019). Research on TikTok APP Based on User-Centric Theory. Applied
Science and Innovative Research,3(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/asir.v3n1p28
Mohd Azli Adlan. (2022, December 2). Penyebar Berita Palsu Kononnya Jambatan Manir
Runtuh Diburu Polis. Kosmo Online News. https://www.kosmo.com.my/2022/12/21/penyebar-
berita-palsu-kononnya-jambatan-manir-runtuh-diburu-polis/
Kari Paul (2022), “We risk another crisis’: TikTok in danger of being major vector of election
misinformation”, The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/24/tiktok-
election-misinformation-voting-politics (accessed 16 December 2023) (technical)
Lisa Dittmer (2023), “Global: TikTok’s ‘For You’ feed risks pushing children and young people
towards harmful mental health content”, Amnesty International
14
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/11/tiktok-risk-pushing-children-towards-
harmful-
content/#:~:text=Tiktok%27s%20content%20recommender%20system%20and,today%20by2
0Amnesty%20International%20show. (accessed 16 December 2023) (technical)
O’Sullivan, N. J., Nason, G., Manecksha, R. P., & O’Kelly, F. (2022). The unintentional spread
of misinformation on ‘TikTok’; A paediatric urological perspective. Journal of Pediatric
Urology, 18(3), 371–375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.03.001
Rebecca Bellan (2022), “TikTok suspends content in Russia in response to ‘fake news’ law”,
Tech Crunch https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/06/tiktok-suspends-content-in-russia-in-
response-to-fake-news-law/ (accessed 16 December 2023) (technical)
Sameera Tahira Ahmed (2023), “Mitigating fake news and misinformation using news literacy
behaviours (NLBs)”, Arab Media & Society https://www.arabmediasociety.com/mitigating-
fake-news-and-misinformation-using-news-literacy-behaviors-nlbs/ (accessed 16 December
2023). (technical)
Ummu Hanis Jeffri,Ahmad Fahmi Mahamood, Abdul Rahman Abdul Manaf, Abdul Jalil
Ramli, Tengku Kastriafuddin Shah Tengku Yaakob.(2021).The Phenomenon of False News
in social media During The Season of Movement Control In Malaysia.Journal of
Humanities,Language,Culture and Business,5(16),50-80.
15