AfD utilizes social media and digital manipulation in Germany

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is increasingly utilizing social media and digital manipulation tactics to influence political discourse in Germany. Analysts note that the party effectively uses social media platforms to spread propaganda and can act as a projection surface for government opposition. This includes the artificial amplification of political opinions through the use of thousands of bots.

Research indicates a significant digital presence for the AfD; during the 2025 Bundestag election campaign, the party accounted for more than half of the TikTok followers of German party accounts. Studies by the Bertelsmann Stiftung also showed that AfD videos were played significantly more often than their share of published party videos would suggest.

The party frequently employs the term ‘Lügenpresse’ (lying press) to challenge the legitimacy of mainstream journalism, a rhetoric that has become a standard tool for supporters. According to the University of Hohenheim’s ‘Democracy Monitor’, one-fifth of Germans believe the media systematically lies to the population. Furthermore, Reporters Without Borders recorded 55 verified attacks on journalists and editorial offices in Germany in 2025.