Elections in the Age of Manipulated Scrolling Online platforms have become potent political institutions, prioritizing engagement and profit over truth. Coordinated campaigns on platforms like Telegram and TikTok manipulate public opinion by leveraging societal fears and pushing biased content, with algorithms directing users towards specific narratives. This trend, observed globally, poses a significant threat to democratic systems, particularly among young voters forming their political identities.

• Over three million social media posts coordinated between TikTok and Telegram are manipulating German citizens’ political views.
• A study by Repsense shows content moves from Telegram to TikTok, reaching millions with carefully planned public opinion shaping.
• The study indicates 97% of analyzed content appeared on both platforms, suggesting systematic narrative warfare.
• Political opinions are increasingly formed by manipulation and systemic influence rather than individual reasoning.
• Algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, leading users to believe they are discovering political truth when it’s part of a communication strategy.
• A significant portion of content on German Telegram networks attacked centrist parties and promoted right-wing populist parties.
• New accounts are heavily skewed towards right-wing content on TikTok and X, driven by algorithms to increase user retention.
• TikTok is a primary news source for many under 30, who are susceptible to sophisticated propaganda.
• Similar patterns of social media manipulation have been observed in elections worldwide, indicating a global phenomenon.