Part 9/16:
TikTok’s personalized content delivery system plays a crucial role in its influence. Its recommendation algorithm, driven by user likes and engagement, tends to create echo chambers—isolating users within worlds that reinforce their existing beliefs. This can lead to a dangerous rabbit hole, where misinformation and hate speech become normalized, fostering radicalization and social discord.
Unlike Facebook or Twitter, TikTok’s “for you” page exposes users to repetitive themes and emotionally charged videos, making them more susceptible to believing falsehoods and conspiracies. This rapid spread of polarizing content challenges fact-checkers and moderation efforts.