7am

TikTok politics: Very demure, very Dutton

Sep 22, 2024

Peter Dutton, the Australian politician known for his recent foray into TikTok, discusses his motives and challenges in engaging a younger audience. He reflects on his uninspiring first post and the broader trend of politicians on social media. Special correspondent Jason Koutsoukis analyzes TikTok's dual role as a platform for political connection and concern, especially regarding its Chinese ownership. The conversation highlights the ethical implications and potential political embarrassments as Australian politicians navigate this digital landscape.

17:01

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Episode guests

Peter Dutton

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Peter Dutton's entry into TikTok signifies a strategic shift among Australian politicians seeking to engage and appeal to younger voters.

Concerns about data privacy and national security surrounding TikTok's ownership highlight the ethical dilemmas faced by politicians leveraging the platform.

Deep dives

The Rise of Politicians on TikTok

Australian politicians are increasingly turning to TikTok to engage with younger voters, as nearly 37% of the population is active on the platform. Notably, Peter Dutton's entry into TikTok reflects a strategic shift among leaders who recognize the need to connect with the 18 to 36 age group. The effectiveness of TikTok was recently demonstrated by the Labor Party during the 2022 elections, prompting the Coalition to adopt similar approaches to remain relevant. As various politicians leverage this platform, Dutton's actions highlight the urgency for older politicians to adapt to new social media landscapes.

Intro

2min

Navigating TikTok: A Political Gamble

2min

Navigating TikTok: Politicians Embrace Social Media for Engagement

3min

TikTok's Political Footprint in Australia

7min

Ethical Dilemmas of Politicians on TikTok Amid Security Concerns

4min

Peter Dutton is now on TikTok, and his first post was about as inspiring as you might imagine. It’s shot in an office, he’s wearing a suit, and he’s talking about housing.

It’s easy to see this as a case of trying to appeal to the kids. But it’s also a sign of a broader trend among Australian politicians, with around a third of them now on TikTok and more likely to join the platform.

Peter Dutton’s move to TikTok is especially curious, beyond his use of the word “demure”. It signals that he’s made a calculation that the opportunity for votes is more important than any of the security concerns flagged about the app’s parent company, ByteDance.

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis on whether TikTok is actually a threat – or just an opportunity for political embarrassment.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

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