New Media and Digital Communication, Decentralized Communication, User-Generated Content (UGC), Social Media Platform, TikTok
Abstract
In the context of rapid advancements in digital information technology, user-generated content (UGC) on social media platforms has emerged as a crucial form of information dissemination. Although substantial research has been conducted on UGC, there remains a paucity of studies focusing on TikTok’s dissemination pathways and the influence of user interactions on the underlying mechanisms of information propagation. Analyzing these patterns holds significant theoretical and practical relevance. This paper employs qualitative analysis and case study methodologies to conduct an in-depth investigation of the characteristics of UGC on TikTok and its effects on information dissemination pathways and mechanisms. The findings reveal that TikTok’s decentralized dissemination model, driven by recommendation algorithms, facilitates the rapid diffusion of high-quality content, thereby increasing the diversity of information. However, this decentralized model also poses challenges, such as the proliferation of misinformation and inadequate regulatory oversight, leading to issues like information homogeneity and the “echo chamber” effect.
