TikTok’s Internal Documents’ Shockwave
Unveiling Disturbing Findings
The recent revelations about TikTok’s internal documents have sent shockwaves across the internet. Reports suggest that teens as young as 15 were engaging in explicit performances on TikTok’s live feature, encouraged by adult users willing to spend real money in exchange for these disturbing streams. This controversy came to light following an internal investigation spurred by a Forbes report that unveiled troubling practices within the platform.
Understanding the Risks and Algorithms
As TikTok executives were made aware of the potential harm their platform could inflict on young users, they appeared unconcerned. An alarming detail emerged: TikTok quantified that a user must view just 260 videos to form a habit. Given that TikTok videos are often only a few seconds long, a user could become addicted in under 35 minutes of scrolling. The internal documents also revealed that TikTok manipulated its algorithm to promote content featuring users it deemed attractive, potentially excluding those who do not meet a narrow beauty standard.
Implications and Public Response
Despite the app’s features designed to limit usage time for underage users, a significant impact was not seen in user behavior. Even more troubling was the acknowledgment from a TikTok project manager that the intention behind these features seemed to prioritize ‘public trust’ over actual user safety. Advocacy groups have welcomed these disclosures, emphasizing that TikTok seemingly turned a blind eye to the growing concerns surrounding child safety on their platform. They argue that evidence now suggests TikTok is fully aware of its impact on its young audience, raising significant alarm over the platform’s practices.
