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Probably because what makes TikTok attractive isn't it's dark features that only Instagram would think was important, but how amazing it is at learning your int

by dmix 4y ago

Probably because what makes TikTok attractive isn't it's dark features that only Instagram would think was important, but how amazing it is at learning your interests with the lowest amount of required input (just swiping down quickly or not after a new video starts). I was one of those people that thought TikTok was a modern garbage machine that only produced low quality dancing videos of young girls for zoomers. But then I read on HN that you just need to commit for a little while and it will learn what you like. I was amazed at how much this is true. I'm now getting Scott Manley-esque space news, tech stuff, hyper local restaurant recommendations, real gameplay of game genres I actually like, etc. Basically what took me years to carefully subscribe to on Youtube was done in a few months on TikTok and it only seems to get more relevant (note: YT always still wins in pure intellectual signal vs noise). The whole addictive thing is obviously an issue, especially for kids, but I'm an adult who grew up with tech and I've learned how to carefully balance internet/life, so it's mostly pure upside for me.

prawn 4y ago
But I don't want any content recommendations. I don't like the idea of infinite channels and endless content to flood my skull. I use Instagram to keep up with what friends and family are doing. I just want to see the content my friends put up. Not the things they like, not similar accounts, not similar industries, not hot topics. And when I've caught up, I want to see the previous content, not unrelated accounts and promotions. I work in travel content and on my work account I want to see the content of my clients and prospective clients I've chosen to follow (to see the work they're selecting or which videographers they're using), but instead it pushes everything else on me. More than ever, these apps are about consuming content - ever increasing amounts of it. I seriously resent that.
- mjhagen 4y ago
  Apparently you and I are outside the market. This is exactly what I used Instagram, Facebook (when I was on it) and Twitter for. Only Twitter remains. There was a brief period (around 2005-2008 I think) where the majority of the people I knew IRL (incl. family) were online talking to each other, showing each other what they were doing, no political discussions, no fighting, it was a flash in the pan in the end. I don't think we can ever go back to that as there was no money in it.
  - prawn 4y ago
    Unfortunately, unless your family and social circles are all within some particular niche, you're at the mercy of the platforms exploiting the masses. I remember when Twitter was a bit like early Instagram, hanging out with friends, then the bulk moved to Instagram and just left business people and sub-interests. I'm lucky in that my Twitter feed is not very political/enraged like much of the US, so it's a pretty decent place for me.

by dmix 4y ago

prawn 4y ago

But I don't want any content recommendations. I don't like the idea of infinite channels and endless content to flood my skull. I use Instagram to keep up with what friends and family are doing. I just want to see the content my friends put up. Not the things they like, not similar accounts, not similar industries, not hot topics. And when I've caught up, I want to see the previous content, not unrelated accounts and promotions. I work in travel content and on my work account I want to see the content of my clients and prospective clients I've chosen to follow (to see the work they're selecting or which videographers they're using), but instead it pushes everything else on me. More than ever, these apps are about consuming content - ever increasing amounts of it. I seriously resent that.

mjhagen 4y ago
Apparently you and I are outside the market. This is exactly what I used Instagram, Facebook (when I was on it) and Twitter for. Only Twitter remains. There was a brief period (around 2005-2008 I think) where the majority of the people I knew IRL (incl. family) were online talking to each other, showing each other what they were doing, no political discussions, no fighting, it was a flash in the pan in the end. I don't think we can ever go back to that as there was no money in it.
- prawn 4y ago
  Unfortunately, unless your family and social circles are all within some particular niche, you're at the mercy of the platforms exploiting the masses. I remember when Twitter was a bit like early Instagram, hanging out with friends, then the bulk moved to Instagram and just left business people and sub-interests. I'm lucky in that my Twitter feed is not very political/enraged like much of the US, so it's a pretty decent place for me.