Radicalized by TikTok and Co.? The Influence of Social Media Use on Far-Right Orientations of Young Adults in Germany

Right-wing extremism among young people often gets attributed to radicalisation on social media. This study examines how the use of various social media platforms affects extremist-leaning attitudes of young people in Germany. A particular focus is placed on TikTok, as the platform has grown rapidly among young people and is discussed in public debates as a potential influence on far-right orientations. Methodologically, the analysis is based on a representative online survey (n = 2,099; ages 16–27) with self-reported data on party sympathies, political self-placement, and social media usage intensity. The results show a positive association between the intensity of social media use and far-right attitudes. The findings also indicate that this relationship varies in strength across different platforms, and the platform TikTok does not stand out as a particularly strong accelerant of radicalization.