How TikTok's Algorithm Manipulates You.
Science & Technology
How TikTok's Algorithm Manipulates You
Your phone doesn't listen to you, but what it actually does is much worse. Every pixel, every interaction, every second you spend on TikTok is logged, documented, and analyzed by engineers who have studied at prestigious universities. This data is stored in massive data centers and used by powerful ranking and recommendation systems, known as The Almighty Algorithm. These systems aim to keep you engaged on the app for as long as possible, generating significant revenue. TikTok's algorithm works by setting a goal for optimizing watch time and constantly running experiments to increase user engagement. However, the app's recent shift towards a shopping experience raises concerns about the potential manipulation of users for profit and influence, especially in the hands of an entity like China. The article dives deep into how TikTok's algorithm operates and the implications it holds.
Keywords
- TikTok
- Algorithm
- Data collection
- User manipulation
- Revenue generation
- Influence
- China
FAQ
- What data does TikTok collect from users? TikTok collects and analyzes every pixel, interaction, and second users spend on the app to optimize engagement and generate revenue.
- How does TikTok's algorithm work? The algorithm sets goals for metrics like watch time and constantly runs experiments to increase user engagement on the platform.
- What are the concerns about TikTok's algorithm manipulation? There are concerns about the app potentially being used to manipulate users for profit and influence, particularly with the shift towards a shopping experience and the influence an entity like China could exert.