On July 21, the WSJ released an investigative report into TikTok‘s highly secretive algorithm, owned by ByteDance in China. There’s a reason it feels like the app gives you exactly what you’re looking for and even adults (like me) struggle to put it down.
Dare I say – the TikTok algorithm has god-like attributes, able to identify what you like and don’t like within minutes of creating an account.
And while all of us are praising TikTok for their parental controls (they ARE the only social media company with true parental controls), I think we’re ignoring a really, really important attribute of this massively popular app.
That while TikTok is preventing porn, they are sucking the life out of amazing teens with a highly addictive app that is also micro-sexualizing them with “almost porn.”Â
We published a 10-panel carousel on Instagram on July 24, and within three days, it was already the fifth most popular post in our history. TikTok is the first non-Facebook app to surpass 3 billion downloads globally. And, based on our most recent testing, it’s not hard to see why.
TikTok Algorithm Instagram Panels:
These panels set the stage by explaining a bit about the algorithm. It’s really important to understand that this algorithm is what you read on the third slide. TikTok is owned by a Chinese company. The 13-minute WSJ YouTube video that summarizes their findings is really worth a listen/watch.
These panels explore the results from the WSJ’s 100+ test accounts and and how scary quick the algorithm “rabbit-holed” the accounts toward content that the account seemed to like. This is similar to what we’ve seen on Instagram, whose algorithm picks up on suicidal tendencies, self-harm, etc. and then funnels similar accounts toward that user:Â Suicide Porn on Instagram.
Here’s our concern – the wonderful, miraculous, highly shapable teenage brain just can’t handle the god-like intelligence of this app. I invite you to open an account and maybe you’ll experience what I did – an inability to shut it off. I could not believe how quickly 90 minutes evaporated from my life as I thumbed through the “For You” feed on TikTok, as it zeroed in on what I liked and funneled more and more of that content my way. I literally couldn’t stop watching.
A final hope that parents who read this don’t overreact and smash the iPhone. After all, if you gave your child TikTok, it’s now up to you to help them figure out how to use it well. Now that you’re informed! You can find The Social Dilemma on Netflix.
If you have a younger child, keep them away from TikTok as long as possible. Get a GABB! They now have an awesome watch. Tap/click the image below to learn more about their kid-friendly “UN”-smart products.
About Protect Young Eyes
Founded in 2015, Protect Young Eyes is a leading voice showing families, schools, and churches how to create safer, “no digital secret!” spaces for young people. We do this by creating content that is reliable, practical, and easy to use. Our team of presenters performs hundreds of talks annually and 500+ mini-lessons in the Protect App help busy, amazing families be digital-ready! Available for Apple or Google.
Chris McKenna, Founder: A man with never-ending energy when it comes to fighting for the safety and protection of children. Chris practices his internet safety tips on his four amazing children and is regularly featured on news, radio, and podcasts for his research. His 2019 US Senate Judiciary Committee testimony was the catalyst for draft legislation and ongoing discussion that could radically change online child protection laws and earned PYE the NCOSE Dignity Defense Alert Award in 2020. The PYE team has performed over 1,700 presentations at schools, churches, and nonprofits and was featured in the Childhood 2.0 movie. Other loves include running, spreadsheets, nature, and candy.
On popular apps such as TikTok, it is very easy to waste hours on it, this is where balance (1st Media key) should come into place. While these apps can be entertaining and amazing, we must be mindful of our time spent on it and be aware of those around us. think about how many hours spent checking the latest feed on TikTok could have been spend in meditation or prayer with God. TikTok may have still have content that has little to no educational value, but there are some creators on there that are teaching moral values in faith. This of which can refer to the 2nd and 3rd media keys: attitude awareness and dignity of the human person, you can find content of which supports both. Truth is also hard to seek on not just TikTok but in countless media platforms, for the search for truthfulness in the media (4th media key) is one that is much needed today. The world has inspired others to live and embrace a sinful lifestyle. Therefore, we should inspire (the 5th media key) to adapt to live a faithful lifestyle. If one is to use the media, one must be skillfully developed (6th Media key) in the field of media, especially for when using it for business or ministry. Though it is frightening to see and hear about what the media has in store, it should only bring motivation as good servants of Christ, this will require experience (7th Media key), but it will only strengthen us and prepare us for challenge