President Joe Biden has joined the popular social media platform TikTok to reach out to young voters in this year’s elections. Despite concerns about the app’s security, the Biden administration has decided to take the opportunity to connect with younger demographic groups.
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance and used by 150 million users in the United States, has been a subject of interest in Washington due to fears that the Chinese government may use the app to access users’ private data or spread misinformation. Last year, the Biden administration threatened to ban TikTok if the Chinese owners did not divest their shares in the company, according to information from the platform.
However, despite these concerns, TikTok is highly popular among younger voters who could be crucial in future elections. Currently, 43% of TikTok users regularly use the app to obtain information, compared to just 33% in 2022, according to a Pew Research Center study.
The Biden campaign will continue to reach out to voters by creating innovative content that resonates with key audiences and diverse groups of voters, forming a broad electoral coalition for the president, campaign advisors said.
Biden’s decision to join TikTok could have implications for the 2024 elections, especially if young voters are at stake. In a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll conducted last month, it was found that Donald Trump leads Joe Biden 37% to 33% among voters under 35 years old. Many young voters are concerned about Biden’s unwavering support for Israel in the Gaza conflict.
Despite security concerns surrounding TikTok, the Biden campaign has assured that advanced security measures are being taken around their devices and that their presence on the platform is independent of the review conducted by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
In Biden’s debut TikTok post, a narrator asks the president a series of quick questions. Biden refuses to choose between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, explaining that “his wife is a Philadelphia girl.” Biden chooses to watch the game instead of halftime or commercials and responds with “Mama Kelce” when asked to choose between Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce.
Next, Biden jokes about a popular conspiracy theory on the right. “I’m going to get in trouble if I told you,” Biden says with a smile when asked about the “sinister plot to rig the season so the Chiefs could make it to the Super Bowl or they’re just a good football team?”. The video ends with a campaign meme called “Dark Brandon” before the narrator asks the final question: Trump or Biden? “Are you kidding me?” Biden responds. “Biden.”
Since the president’s appearance on TikTok, his video has been viewed by nearly 5 million people, and Biden’s account on the platform has already gained 47,000 followers.
FAQ:
1. Why did President Joe Biden join TikTok?
President Joe Biden joined TikTok to reach out to young voters in this year’s elections.
2. What was the main concern about TikTok?
The main concern about TikTok was the potential use of the app by the Chinese government to access users’ private data or spread misinformation.
3. How popular is TikTok among younger voters?
TikTok is highly popular among younger voters. Currently, 43% of TikTok users regularly use the app to obtain information, compared to just 33% in 2022.
4. What strategy will the Biden campaign use on TikTok?
The Biden campaign will create innovative content that resonates with key audiences and diverse groups of voters, forming a broad electoral coalition for the president.
5. What are the results of the poll regarding young voters?
According to a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll, Donald Trump leads Joe Biden 37% to 33% among voters under 35 years old.
Definitions:
1. TikTok – a social media platform owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, used by 150 million users in the United States.
2. Misinformation – the spread of false or misleading information intended to deceive recipients.
3. Electoral coalition – a group of diverse political parties, social organizations, and other entities that support a specific candidate or party during elections.
Recommended links:
1. TikTok
2. The White House