I’ve been thinking a lot about TikTok’s algorithm and how insanely good it is at keeping users engaged. The “For You” page seems to know exactly what you want to see, sometimes even before you do! But that also raises some big questions about data collection and privacy.
How do you all feel about it? Is TikTok’s algorithm just an impressive piece of AI, or should we be more concerned about how much it knows about us? Have you noticed any eerie patterns in the content it serves you?
I never understood why people use ticktock, instagram or twitter. I don’t want to waste my life by watching how other people life. I like to go out and make my own experiences.
I get your point, social media can be a huge time-waster if not used wisely. But it’s not just about watching other people’s lives—many use it for learning, networking, and even business. It all depends on how you engage with it.
For example, platforms like TikTok 18 offer content for a mature audience, and some people find it more interesting than regular TikTok. At the end of the day, it’s about using these platforms in a way that adds value to your life rather than just scrolling mindlessly.
I never understood why so many people use videos for learning. For me it’s a big waste of time. Normally I do not need all the info out of the tutorial. So if I have a readable article I can skip all the parts I already know or which are not of interest in a part of a second, find the once I need and repeat reading it until I have understood it in a speed I need.
Try to do this with a video you need endless to find the position you need and you always have the same speed ….
Yes, I fully agree. Added to that the need for video makers to add daft music, intros, recaps and stuff. I’d rather just read it myself, it’s also far easier to re-read a section.
TikTok’s algorithm is absolutely a masterpiece when it comes to personalization, But yeah, the other side is definitely concerning. The fact that it’s so good means, collecting a ton of behavioral data not just what you say you like, but how you act moment-by-moment. And since so much of that happens invisibly, it’s easy to forget just how much you’re giving away.
it’s less about whether the technology is good or bad, it’s about how transparent.
So, brilliant tech? 100%, Privacy nightmare? Potentially.
TikTok’s algorithm is undeniably impressive in its ability to engage users by tailoring content so precisely. Its use of AI to analyze user behavior and preferences enables a highly personalized experience. However, the extent of data collection to achieve this raises significant privacy concerns. The app tracks a wide variety of user interactions, potentially more than many users realize. While I’ve noticed some eerily accurate content suggestions, we must balance enjoying its features with being mindful of our data privacy. Being informed about TikTok’s data practices and adjusting app settings accordingly can help mitigate some concerns.
There was some long term (several decades) investigation about feel good level. It has been rather constant until 2007. Then the iPhone was launched and many people started to use social media several hours a day. Reading posts from bullies, read about others perfect life and look at others beautiful bodies and faces. And many started to feel more bad and suicide rate increased.
So I feel rather good with 1 minute social media time a day. Not bothering about algorithms besides Googles
I agree, tittok algorithm is impresive from tech point of view. But the privacy side is a bit concerning. Who knows how deep the data collection goes ..
