A concerning trend of misinformation regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict has emerged, posing potential risks for individuals in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Tiktok platform, known for its dominance in social media, has become a breeding ground for misleading content, raising alarms about its impact on public perception and the potential for real-world consequences.
About the Israel-Hamas conflict
The investigation, spanning a week and supported by reports from TikTok users and misinformation experts in Southeast Asia, revealed a consistent stream of inaccurate information circulating on the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the spread of fake news during geopolitical tensions is not a new phenomenon, analysts highlight the distinctive challenges posed by the Israel-Hamas conflict in Southeast Asia.
With sizable Muslim populations in the region, there is a tendency for individuals to identify more with the Palestinian cause, inadvertently leading to the dissemination of falsehoods. The genuine intentions of raising awareness might inadvertently contribute to emotionally charged sentiments and flashpoints among religiously diverse groups.
Shift on preference on Short form video on Tiktok
TikTok, being a prominent source of news for younger demographics in Southeast Asia, has witnessed a significant increase in its role as a news outlet. A shift in media consumption habits, especially among 18- to 24-year-olds, emphasizes the engagement-driven appeal of short-form videos that align with individual preferences.
The investigation uncovered various tactics employed to spread misinformation on TikTok, including the creation of fake profiles. In the aftermath of Hamas’ surprise attack in early October, over 40,000 fake profiles engaged in conversations on multiple platforms, amassing significant reach and engagement.
The global reach of TikTok, coupled with its increasing popularity as a news source, intensifies the impact of misinformation. A Reuters Institute report indicates a growing reliance on TikTok for news in Malaysia and Indonesia, while even in Singapore, a notable increase has been observed among the younger demographic.
Challenges faced by social media platforms
Social media platforms, including TikTok, are grappling with the challenge of curbing the spread of misinformation. Accusations of “shadowbanning” and algorithms fostering polarization add complexity to the efforts. Despite TikTok’s removal of hundreds of thousands of videos violating policies, challenges persist in maintaining the platform’s integrity.
Experts express concerns about the potential consequences of misinformation, including the escalation of emotionally charged arguments and the real-world implications of unfounded beliefs. The situation is exacerbated by the emotive nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the vulnerability of social media users to misleading narratives.
As misinformation continues to thrive, there are calls for increased regulatory scrutiny on social media platforms. Experts suggest a multifaceted approach involving extensive outreach, monitoring, and education to identify and mitigate false content effectively.
Need to address fake information on social media
The impact of fake news on Southeast Asian TikTok, particularly concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict, underscores the need for collective efforts to address the challenges posed by misinformation. As social media continues to evolve, proactive measures are crucial to safeguarding the public from the potential consequences of unchecked falsehoods.
