Illner: Warnings issued by extremism expert - TikTok transforms children into anti-Semites.
TikTok expert Ahmed Mansour (47) has alerted the public to the potential dangers of the China app for the first time on Maybrit Illner's show, emphasizing its negative impact on young Germans.
The psychologist and author of Arab-Palestinian descent explained: "If kids today spend several hours on TikTok, which many do, they end up hating Jews due to the app's algorithms."
Dire consequences
In essence, TikTok (slogan: "Trends start here") subtly directs young users towards a specific target: anti-Semitism and a desire to destroy Israel. This often goes unnoticed, and the consequences can lead young people into conflict with the German majority who value Israel's security.
Politicians must act
Mansour, discussing Hamas propaganda after the deadly terrorist attack in Israel with over 1,200 dead and 137 hostages still captive, stated: "When we discuss left-wing extremism and Islamism, a massive campaign has been happening on social media since October 7. That's millions!"
He posed the question: "Why aren't we more active on social media, providing counter-narratives, promoting positive role models, and offering educational materials? We haven't even begun!" This presents a major task for politicians.
Counter-campaign needed
"We all need to be more involved!" Mansour urged. "We're facing a campaign involving millions of people, and we need to launch a counter-campaign. All democrats must stand up and be heard, even digitally!"
Threats from TikTok and Green Party
"The Holocaust history lessons from the past no longer work today," warned Washington Post journalist Souad Mekhennet. "We're fighting against TikTok, social media, where a different narrative is told."
Green Party leader Omid Nouripour also identified climate advocate Greta Thunberg as a risk: "After October 7, she posted a photo with an octopus plush toy, an openly anti-Semitic symbol. Left-wing anti-Semitism isn't new, and it must be fought like everything else!"
Manipulation tactics
"It's about taking control of terms," stated Mekhennet. "There are people who are actively trying to equate Gaza with Vietnam. Genocide, apartheid - they try to equate Israel with all the evil in the world. This is an organized effort."
Her concern: "We started to see the beginnings of a dictatorship of opinion. If you wanted to conduct interviews as a journalist, people would say, 'First, you have to say 'Free Palestine.' If you don't, they call you a Zionist. This is dangerous!"
The propaganda war
"Hamas has already won the propaganda war," lamented Mekhennet. "They're viewed as freedom fighters."
Regarding the Islamist slogan "From the River to the Sea," which seeks Israel's complete destruction, Reul commented: "This has been allowed by one court and banned by another. This is worrying to me."
Winning back disillusioned youth
Mansour described the organizers of the Islamist marches in Hamburg: "'Muslim Interactive' and 'Generation Islam' have filled the void left by ISIS. They've given the Islamic youth the role of victims."
His warning: "They present themselves as very cool and are highly successful. We urgently need to consider how we can draw young people back to democracy."
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Source: symclub.org
