parties . The use of forms of othering is well-known feature of other far right alternative media . At the same time , I would apply the concept of a community with closure here , due to the distinctive thinking of social groups and the subjectively guided way in which opinions can only be formed . In addition to that , consumers are exposed to TikToks ’ s algorithm which constantly provides more similar material . Further evidence for this statement might be found when future research examines the participation of young users in the comment sections , how those videos and their themes are perceived , and what discourse can be found there .
There is no evidence of collaborative work on this TikTok account , although it is likely that the owner is supported in the production of content . Further research is needed to find out more about the production process and how professionalized it is compared to similar accounts and whether there are traces of participation beyond the commenting function .
Against locating this TikTok account in an alternative media landscape is perhaps the fact that TikTok mirrors the characteristics of corporate social media more than alternative social media , with significant implications for the privacy , autonomy , and economic exploitation of its young user base . At most , it could be determined that Ulrich Siegmund ’ s TikTok account is an alternative one in regard to other users and their contents . Here the political role , his official status as member of a Saxonia-Anhalt ’ s parliament , is clearly communicated which is different to the main use of TikTok by young users who tend to spread their topics from their point of views and their realities . TikTok is an important medium that influences the political landscape in Germany in terms of how it works , how it can be used and , not least , its reach . Further research could shed more light on the research question how to position far-right media in the alternative media landscape with regard to the use of commenting options , the production processes of such projects and the political impact on the consumers .
83