4 ms·

> Some users think of the algorithm as a divine force that guides them Very easy to enter an echo chamber and go down rabbit-holes you shouldn't really be goi

> Some users think of the algorithm as a divine force that guides them Very easy to enter an echo chamber and go down rabbit-holes you shouldn't really be going down. If it picks up you like videos about depression or eating disorders, prepare to get brainwashed and not even be able to process those videos properly. > A central challenge for any recommendation algorithm is the tradeoff between safe but somewhat boring recommendations that are similar to recommendations that worked well in the past And this just makes the platform gameable. So many videos with their intro as 'Wait to the end' or building up tension just to get engagement or snarky replies, giving the illusion the video is popular but it's wildly unlikeable.

tomjakubowski 4y ago
It's unbelievable how toxic the most viral TikTok videos are on so many subjects, dating/relationships and mental health among them. The algorithm seems to reward content that makes people feel worse.
- xvector 4y ago
  You're the first person I've seen with this take: literally everyone else I've talked to says that TikTok videos are generally positive, empowering, fun, and non-toxic. Surprisingly so compared to other platforms.
  - henrikschroder 4y ago
    I agree, I generally never see bad and toxic videos in my own feed, but I do get a lot of snarky and/or informative takedowns of those videos where people are called out on their bullshit. And the duet feature of TikTok makes it trivial to make those kinds of videos, unlike other platforms where you instead get isolated bubbles and echo chambers.
mullingitover 4y ago
> Very easy to enter an echo chamber and go down rabbit-holes you shouldn't really be going down. Waiting for Google to sue them for infringing on their YouTube recommendations IP here.
- dmix 4y ago
  YouTube wished they were as good as TikTok at recommending videos YT is good but TikTok is great Some people see the devil in that, which might be true, but from my experience TikTok is the best in class at giving you what you want to see I just happen to want to see nerdy science videos and hyper local recommendations in my city. Others might see outlets in more destructive hobbies like politics and whatever zoomers get up to these days. But for me it’s all plus side.

tomjakubowski 4y ago

It's unbelievable how toxic the most viral TikTok videos are on so many subjects, dating/relationships and mental health among them. The algorithm seems to reward content that makes people feel worse.

xvector 4y ago
You're the first person I've seen with this take: literally everyone else I've talked to says that TikTok videos are generally positive, empowering, fun, and non-toxic. Surprisingly so compared to other platforms.
- henrikschroder 4y ago
  I agree, I generally never see bad and toxic videos in my own feed, but I do get a lot of snarky and/or informative takedowns of those videos where people are called out on their bullshit. And the duet feature of TikTok makes it trivial to make those kinds of videos, unlike other platforms where you instead get isolated bubbles and echo chambers.

mullingitover 4y ago

> Very easy to enter an echo chamber and go down rabbit-holes you shouldn't really be going down. Waiting for Google to sue them for infringing on their YouTube recommendations IP here.

dmix 4y ago
YouTube wished they were as good as TikTok at recommending videos YT is good but TikTok is great Some people see the devil in that, which might be true, but from my experience TikTok is the best in class at giving you what you want to see I just happen to want to see nerdy science videos and hyper local recommendations in my city. Others might see outlets in more destructive hobbies like politics and whatever zoomers get up to these days. But for me it’s all plus side.