Behind the Scroll

    TikTok is the fifth most popular social media platform and continues to grow in its number of users. There’s something intriguing about scrolling through various videos and seeing something new with each swipe. From dances to book reviews, there’s a video for everyone. As users flock to the platform, it's just as important to understand the algorithm—not just for its potential to make content go viral, but for the privacy concerns it quietly raises.

    The algorithm is crafted to show videos tailored to your interests. Using data from previous videos you’ve engaged with—liked, commented on or shared—the app sends similar content to your For You page. This is why you’ll often see related videos as you scroll. If you search for something on TikTok, you’re more likely to see content related to that subject because you’ve shown interest. Beyond the subject matter of a video, using the same sounds, captions or hashtags can also help send a video to your For You page.

    While the algorithm seems harmless, there’s a level of intrusion into personal data that occurs as well. Device and account settings are both used in the algorithm to determine what content should be recommended to you. By analyzing language preferences and time zone settings, videos can be tailored to where you live and the language you speak. This may seem like a minor detail, but it prompts the question: How much information can these companies access from my phone?

    I was scrolling on TikTok a few minutes ago and saw a video pop up on my For You page. It was part of a recent trend where you say, “I’m so hungry I could eat...” and follow it with the name of someone the person you’re with knows. Somehow, I ended up seeing one that brought up my old dance teacher. While it might be a matter of others I know engaging with that content, it felt like a questionable coincidence.

    We live in an era where everything is online, but we rarely question what goes on behind our screens. I’m not saying TikTok needs to be banned. I personally love the communities I’ve found on the app and the creativity it’s sparked in me. What I’m suggesting is that we start to become more aware of how the algorithm works. The more we understand what goes on behind the scenes, the more we can protect ourselves and the information we share online.

Comments

  1. Allayna ReiffApril 23, 2025 at 7:09 PM

    Yes, I completely agree with you that it is scary not knowing how well our devices know us, especially various social media apps. I've always been one to be skeptical when it comes to sharing personal information on the apps, which has always been for the best.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Olive BarricklowApril 23, 2025 at 7:19 PM

    I really loved this! You explain the algorithm in a way that’s super easy to get, and the example with your dance teacher is kinda creepy in that oddly specific way. Makes me think about how much I’ve just accepted the weird accuracy of my FYP without questioning it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Evie LouApril 24, 2025 at 11:59 AM

    The documentary we are watching in class fascinates me. It is crazy how much on an impact technology has on our daily lives and how easy it can be to fall into the trap of social media addiction.

    ReplyDelete

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