Tiktok's Algorithmic Influence and American Youth Support for U.S. Public Diplomacy

Frantz Damas

Abstract: This dissertation investigates how TikTok's algorithmic content delivery-framed as a tool of Chinese soft power-affects Americans aged 18?25's support for U.S. public diplomacy. Integrating Nye's Soft Power Theory with Wendt's Constructivism, it employs a synthetic explanatory sequential mixed-methods design: synthesizing survey evidence from 400 participants to measure correlations between algorithmic exposure and public diplomacy attitudes, followed by qualitative analysis with a purposive subsample of approximately 30 participants from prior studies. Quantitative analysis applies regression models controlling for demographic and political variables; qualitative analysis employs thematic coding to interpret identity construction and norm internalization. Recent empirical studies indicate significant correlations between TikTok use and favorable attitudes toward China, yet no prior research directly examines how this dynamic shapes support for U.S. public diplomacy. The study advances theoretical understanding of digitally mediated state-to-citizen influence and addresses empirical gaps in foreign policy literature. Findings are expected to inform strategic communication, youth-targeted public diplomacy, and digital governance policy. This research provides evidence-based insights into algorithmic foreign influence, bridging academic inquiry with actionable recommendations for safeguarding democratic resilience in the digital age.

Keywords: TikTok, Soft Power, Algorithmic Influence, Public Diplomacy, Digital Governance

How to Cite?: Frantz Damas, "Tiktok's Algorithmic Influence and American Youth Support for U.S. Public Diplomacy", Volume 14 Issue 10, October 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 716-725, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251012173109, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251012173109