“Risky”: Young people fight against fake news on TikTok

A group of young people in Bavaria have come together under the banner “Riskantik” (@tiktokredaktion) to counteract these problems on TikTok: The platform, which is known for its short and concise video content, primarily attracts young users. But as popularity grows, so do the challenges: disinformation and hate speech are just some of the downsides that can cloud the TikTok experience. Therefore, they are launching an initiative that is intended not only to make TikTok safer, but also to raise awareness of the dangers of misinformation and populist content.

Young voices against disinformation

“Riskantik” is a cooperation between the Bavarian State Center for New Media (BLM), the JFF – Institute for Media Education in Research and Practice and the Bavarian Youth Ring. The goal is ambitious: young people should actively engage with news, disinformation and dangerous trends. They determine and design the channel’s content – a real voice of youth in the digital world.

Challenges and solutions

The problems that “Riskantik” addresses are complex. Young people often feel alone on the platforms and unsafe when dealing with questionable content. The project aims not only to provide them with support, but also to encourage them to become part of the solution themselves. The initiative relies on information and education to give young people tools with which they can form their own opinions - free from the influences of disinformation and populism.

Digital education in focus

In addition to directly addressing the risks on TikTok, the initiative also aims to promote digital education. The project “young. committed. online” includes workshops and camps for young influencers as well as training for youth leaders. This holistic approach aims to spread the message of responsible use of social media far beyond the boundaries of the TikTok community.

Call for participation

The message is clear: Safe use of TikTok and other social media is possible, but requires the active cooperation of everyone. The initiative is now looking for young people between the ages of 13 and 23 who want to join the fight against fake news and hate speech. Interested parties can contact the TikTok channel “Riskantik” or by email to [email protected] .

Questions and answers about “riskiness”:

Question 1: What is the aim of the initiative?
Answer 1: The aim is to make TikTok safer by educating young people about disinformation, dangerous trends and hate speech and developing an awareness of the dangers of populist content.

Question 2: Who is behind “Riskantik”?
Answer 2: The Bavarian State Center for New Media (BLM), the JFF – Institute for Media Education in Research and Practice and the Bavarian Youth Ring are behind “Riskantik”.

Question 3: How can you get involved in the initiative?
Answer 3: get involved via the TikTok channel “Riskantik” or by email to [email protected]

Question 4: What role does digital education play in “riskiness”?
Answer 4: Digital education is a central aspect of “Riskantik” in order to give young people the ability to form their own opinions and use social media responsibly.

Question 5: How does the initiative want to combat populism on TikTok?
Answer 5: “Riskantik” wants to educate people about disinformation and populist content through clear and fact-based reporting and thus make a contribution to democracy education.

Conclusion

The “Riskantik” initiative impressively shows how young people can actively contribute to a safer and more enlightened use of TikTok. With a focus on digital education, participation and the fight against disinformation, “Riskantik” sets new standards in media education. It is a call for everyone to join this movement and take responsibility in the digital world.

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