TikTok Algorithms Promote Malicious Videos

TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, but its algorithms have been criticized for promoting videos about self-harm and eating disorders to vulnerable teens. 

According to a report published Wednesday by the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate, TikTok's algorithms are pushing videos about losing weight and self-harm to users. This is a major concern as it could lead to serious mental health issues among vulnerable teens.

The Center for Countering Digital Hate created several TikTok accounts for fictional teen personas in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. After "liking" videos about self-harm and eating disorders, the researchers were surprised to see how quickly TikTok's algorithm responded. 

Within minutes, the accounts were being fed videos about losing weight and self-harm, including ones featuring pictures of models and idealized body types, images of razor blades, and discussions of suicide.

When the researchers created accounts with user names that suggested a particular vulnerability to eating disorders, such as "lose weight," the accounts were fed even more harmful content. 

This means that the platform is targeting vulnerable teens and pushing them toward dangerous content. This is especially concerning as it could lead to serious mental health issues among teens.

The report also found that the platform is not doing enough to protect vulnerable teens from harmful content. While TikTok does have some safeguards in place, such as age restrictions, the report found that they are not enough to protect teens from dangerous content.