A recent study conducted by Finnish methodologies company CheckFirst and fact-checking service Faktabaari revealed concerning findings about TikTok’s search suggestions in Finland. The study found that TikTok’s lack of moderation resulted in toxic language towards women and minorities being present in search suggestions. These suggestions included objectifying and sexist language targeting female politicians, spreading negative information about certain politicians, and harmful language aimed at marginalized groups such as women, Jewish people, and the LGBT community.
For example, search suggestions for former Prime Minister Sanna Marin included disturbing phrases like “Sanna Marin masturbation video”, while suggestions for MP Eva Biaudet contained explicit content, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Additionally, the study found accusatory and critical suggestions towards politicians, potentially creating a biased perception of them among the public. Furthermore, the search suggestions also included controversial content related to COVID-19, showing that TikTok’s measures against misinformation need improvement.
The study highlighted the importance of social media platforms like TikTok taking steps to combat harmful and misleading discourse, particularly in the lead-up to elections. Suggestions to improve the situation included exploring ways to direct users to accurate election information and providing reminders to vote. The study emphasized the influence of hashtags on search suggestions and called for stronger moderation from TikTok to protect users from harmful content and misinformation.
A TikTok spokesperson responded to the study’s findings by stating that the platform is dedicated to protecting the integrity of its platform during elections. They mentioned efforts to connect users to reliable information through Election Centers and removing harmful searches and policy violations. The spokesperson also emphasized TikTok’s commitment to continuously improving and strengthening its processes, including in local languages.
Overall, the study’s findings shed light on the need for social media platforms like TikTok to address toxic language, harmful stereotypes, and misinformation present in search suggestions. With an increasing number of people relying on social media for news, it is crucial for platforms to implement effective moderation measures to counter hate speech and false information. The study serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting a safe and respectful online environment for all users, especially during critical periods like elections.
