Media researchers Nel Ruigrok (Erasmus University Rotterdam), Vaas de Wit (former Media & Journalism student at ESHCC) and Nisanur Karadavut (Vrije Universiteit) examined 2,172 TikTok videos during the recent election campaign. Trouw published an extensive article with the research results.
What did they find? There is a real Wilders effect on TikTok. The researchers discovered that videos featuring Geert Wilders (despite the fact that he does not have a TikTok account himself) generate the most views and engagement.
Five conclusions from the study:
- Party leaders are more important than the party itself.
- D66, Denk and FvD attract the most attention.
- D66 keeps things light-hearted and responds to TikTok trends.
- Most responses are to substantive clips about foreign policy.
- Talk shows ensure visibility for Geert Wilders.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Ombudsman for Public Broadcasting and was made possible by the Media Authority and the Stimulation Fund for Journalism. It is part of a series of media studies conducted during the recent elections, also carried out by Ruigrok, De Wit and Karadavut. For more news, see below.
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