The Interaction between Douyin Opinion Leaders and Douyin Algorithms and Recommendation Mechanisms: The Spread of False Information

Abstract

This paper explores the interaction between opinion leaders and algorithmic mechanisms on the Douyin platform, especially the process of false information dissemination. By analyzing the behavior of opinion leaders, this paper distinguishes between intentional and unintentional ways of false information dissemination. As opinion leaders on the platform, opinion leaders can influence the ideas and behaviors of a large number of users through posting, sharing or commenting, thereby accelerating the spread of false information. Douyin's recommendation algorithm and "recommend to friends" function, as the core mechanism of the platform, use user data to personalize content recommendations, further promoting the widespread dissemination of false information. This paper reveals the two-way interaction between opinion leaders and algorithms: on the one hand, the influence of opinion leaders strengthens the effect of algorithmic recommendations, and on the other hand, the algorithmic mechanism provides opinion leaders with a larger dissemination platform, prompting false information to spread rapidly in social networks. Through an in-depth analysis of these factors, this paper aims to provide a systematic understanding of the mechanism of false information dissemination on the Douyin platform and propose corresponding policy recommendations for the platform to govern false information.