A new study conducted by the University of Minnesota has found that TikTok’s algorithm has the potential to provide users with a sense of community and self-discovery. However, the algorithm can also expose users to harmful content that can negatively affect their mental health. The study highlights the need to understand the platform’s algorithm and to be cautious of its ability to promote distressing content.
This study is the first in a series of papers Chancellor and Milton plan on writing about social media, TikTok, and mental health.
The study says that TikTok’s recommender system algorithm primarily displays videos that it thinks the user will like on their “For You Page” feed, which can lead to a rabbit hole of negative content. The study’s authors urge people to understand the platform’s algorithm and be mindful of its potential to promote distressing content.
It says the “Not interested” button doesn’t make a difference in the content that appears in users’ feeds, and it can be difficult to discern when creators are posting emotional or intense mental health content genuinely or just for more followers and likes. Some users are forced to take breaks or quit using the platform entirely due to the stress it causes. The researchers caution that this information should be kept in mind when using TikTok for mental health purposes.
