Social Media and Its Influence on Users: The Case of Hate Speech Circulated On Tiktok
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Date
2023-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Numerous studies show that there are increasing allegations that social media may be used in Ethiopia to promote hate speech and cause violence. In addition, it has been noted in reviews of other works that while some studies have reached the conclusion that hate speech is prevalent on social media platforms, no research has yet examined the impact on TikTok users or Ethiopian viewers. Therefore, the goal of this study is to pinpoint the difficulties that arise as a result of hate speech that is shared on TikTok. In order to achieve the specified purpose, both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are used. To gather the essential data and information, survey-questionnaire and in-depth interviews are specifically used. A questionnaire is used as a scientific tool to collect data from 200 randomly chosen samples of Addis Abeba University students. Additionally, ten chosen individuals are subjected to in-depth interviews. In order to do this, samples of Ethiopians who use the TikTok app will be chosen using a purposive sampling technique. Microsoft Excel is used to show and analyse the quantitative data. Tables and charts are used to convey quantitative data.Accordingly, this study tried to reveal the various challenges that the youth are facing as a result of hate speech spreading on TikTok. The majority of the respondent agree that hate speeches and comments are spreading on TikTok. 30% of respondents agree that hate speech in TikTok video make them feel angry or fierce toward the characters in the video. The study come up with a result showing that 25% of respondents saw ethnic and religious-based hate speech on TikTok frequently. They also mentioned that hate speech on TikTok makes them depressed, and stressed, and that they have also seen other people affected by this situation. Many hurt people are unverified. So, the youth need to develop critical thinking to combat online hate speech among Ethiopians and the government should also commit to disseminating timely and accurate information on domestic developments as a way to eliminate the opportunity for rumors and misinformation.
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Keywords
Social Media, TikTok