Fact-checking in tiktok. Communication and narrative forms to combat misinformation

Abstract

Introduction. Since 2020, TikTok has turned into a global trending social network. It has become a digital environment where ephemeral, highly stimulating, and visual communication reigns from being initially a platform for teenagers. Today, it brings together a wide range of broadcasters, including the media and journalists. And, as it occurs in social networks, in a context of hyperconnectivity, false information is easily made viral, thus contributing to the development of disinformation. Methodology. From a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques, such as case studies, content analysis, in-depth interviews, and surveys, the communication of fact-checkers with an active profile on TikTok is analyzed to determine the keys to debunking hoaxes and combating disinformation on such a particular social network, where users apparently go to have fun and distract themselves. Discussion and conclusions. It is evident the relevance and needs for media, journalists, and the verification media to carry out their work through new scenarios such as TikTok. Not only to ensure a message reaching increase to new audience segments, but also as an innovative process to attack the phenomenon of disinformation, such as fake news and speculation that is increasingly decentralized through digital channels. TikTok has been a narrative challenge based on message synthesis and visual creativity.