Welcome to the new age of social media, where one platform seems to be on the rise to rule them all – TikTok. While some might perceive it as a silly platform that shows superficial videos with superficial people, it’s actually so much more now. TikTok’s algorithmic feed is now revolutionizing how we consume news worldwide, bringing a burst of reality to our daily updates that other platforms simply cannot.
What is TikTok?
TikTok seemingly came out of nowhere to take over the world in a way we haven’t seen in quite a long time. This social media sensation originally began as a platform mainly for short-form dancing and lip-syncing videos. With its user-friendly interface and addictive features, TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular apps among young people around the globe.
But the app quickly evolved into something that is so much more, setting it apart from other platforms. Nowadays, you can enjoy videos of any type, including videos about gaming like users immersing themselves in online casino platforms. They can even stream themselves playing slots or other classic casino games available on platforms like Bodog.
As can be seen, it has expanded to reach diverse topics, from dancing to gaming. However, the main appeal of TikTok is of course the algorithm which shows everything by tracking what you view and how long you view it amongst other factors. While every other platform has an algorithm that feeds off of your data, it seems that none do it as well as TikTok.
For instance, instead of displaying content in chronological order, TikTok utilizes an algorithm that is designed to deliver videos tailored to individual users. It does it by considering multiple factors at the same time like interests, follows, and what’s trending to create highly personalized feeds. This means that every time you open the app, you are presented with a stream of videos tailored specifically to your interests and preferences that will always be everchanging.
How TikTok’s Algorithm is Revolutionizing News Consumption
Building off of the above, it is specifically this algorithmic approach to content delivery that has revolutionized news consumption on TikTok. Users no longer have to seek out information themselves, instead, relevant news stories are brought directly to their attention through curated feeds. This shift in how we consume news has had profound implications for both journalists and audiences alike.
For journalists, it means finding new ways to tell stories in bite-sized video format that captures viewers’ attention within seconds. It also requires staying up-to-date with trending topics on TikTok in order to reach wider audiences. However, with how seemingly random the trends are, a lot of this can be a hit or miss, with one video becoming a hit and the next flopping.
As to viewers, they benefit from this by being exposed to diverse perspectives and sources they may not have come across otherwise. This has led to the democratization of news consumption allowing individuals from all walks of life to engage with current events on their own terms. And, whereas some platforms have been wrapped up in controversies for covering up leading news globally, TikTok instead has shown to be the most open when it comes to worldwide news.
Of course, this makes sense as most Western social platforms have investors that may not benefit from some news being leaked. While with TikTok being a Chinese company, whose Chinese counterpart is Douyin, it has no qualms with reflecting global news in a very realistic way. Of course, this is all speculative but there is evidence to support this, at least partially.
The Negative Implications of TikTok’s Algorithm
While there are obvious benefits to TikTok’s approach, there are concerns about the accuracy and reliability of information shared just like on other platforms. After all, with its deep focus on user-generated content, there is always a risk of misinformation or sensationalism spreading rapidly through the platform. It falls upon both creators and viewers to assess the information received and not simply accept it as gospel.
Additionally, while the personalization can improve upon the user experience by delivering relevant content, it also runs the risk of creating echo chambers. This can unfortunately further polarize society by reinforcing existing biases rather than fostering open dialogue. We don’t have to say how detrimental it would be to critical thinking with limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
Finally, another major concern is how much data is being taken from users and how exactly it is used outside of the TikTok algorithm. Of course, this is something done by every other platform, app, website and basically everything on and off the internet. However, there is increased concern since this app was founded in China that has data laws that significantly differ from Western countries.
Conclusion
As per all of the evidence above, TikTok’s algorithmic feed has indubitably revolutionized news consumption worldwide. It not only has made the news experience more enjoyable and easily digestible but also exposed viewers to a wider range of topics/perspectives they may not have otherwise encountered. But as we navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape, it is crucial for both consumers and content creators alike to not only stay informed but also actively fact-check the data they receive.
