The disturbing aspects of TikTok: A closer look into the application’s AI system revealing potentially detrimental content to users.
In Brief
TikTok's algorithm is said to be 'pushing' content related to suicidal thoughts and eating disorders as soon as users join the platform.
A recent report indicates that TikTok began suggesting videos on self-harm and eating disorders to some users within moments of their sign-up, highlighting serious issues raised by the US Center for Countering Digital Hate. In a fascinating experiment, researchers created TikTok accounts simulating 13-year-old users with an interest in mental health and body image, and found that the platform recommended suicide-related videos in less than 2 minutes and eating disorder content in just over 8 minutes after they signed up. The research unearthed an alarming 56 hashtags linked to eating disorder content on TikTok, which collectively garnered an astounding 13.2 billion views.
TikTok effectively tailors content to individual users, yet insists that they are focused on maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for their community.
The app seems to identify and exploit the vulnerabilities of its users.
While social media inherently poses risks to mental health, the real concern arises with platforms like TikTok that appear to specifically target and exploit these weaknesses. The app's design encourages prolonged engagement by continually presenting users with content they find appealing, even if it's harmful.
according to a TikTok spokesperson.
For instance, TikTok has garnered attention for its promotion of themes surrounding suicide, eating disorders, and body image troubles, which poses a particular risk to teenagers who are already susceptible to mental health challenges. The targeting of this demographic for such content is particularly alarming, potentially worsening their mental health struggles.
Since its global launch in 2017 by the Chinese entity ByteDance, TikTok has harnessed algorithms that draw on user data such as likes, follows, viewing history, and stated interests. This approach has propelled the app to become the fastest-growing social media platform worldwide, with an impressive billion monthly active users expected by 2021.
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