TikTok Announces Upcoming Changes To Its Algorithm To Keep Users Safe On The App
Source: TikTok
TikTok recently announced it would be making changes to its algorithm to make sure users feel safe on the app and are exposed to positive content.
TikTok plans to diversify content recommendations so users aren't served too much of the same content especially content connected to sensitive topics like extreme dieting or fitness, sadness, and breakups. This will also prevent people from seeing videos from the same creators or with the same sounds back to back.
In collaboration with experts in medicine, clinical psychology, and AI ethics, TikTok is redesigning the For You feed to show viewers a wider range of topics, creators, and content. In addition, the company is developing a tool that lets users choose which words or hashtags that associated with content that they do not want to see.
Social media's negative impact has been the subject of intense discussion throughout 2021. Although TikTok has become increasingly popular and addictive, it has also received a great deal of scrutiny, specifically with school-based challenges this past fall.
TikTok's algorithm changes are part of a trend where platforms have begun to give users more control over what they see. This utilization of technology can result in a more positive user experience because it ensures that viewers see content that they enjoy, without seeing too much of one given topic.
The ability of TikTok to show people the content they love over and over again through its algorithm has been one of its most appealing features, so it will be interesting to see what effect the revamped algorithms will have on creators and everyday users alike. Will creators' reach be limited? Will users still be surfaced with the content they love?
As time goes on, those questions will be answered, but overall, this is a smart move and shows TikTok acknowledging the negative impact that its platform can have, which can help distance itself from Meta and the scrutiny it continues to receive
