Ep. 88: The Power of TikTok’s Algorithm

Just how powerful is the algorithm which determines what videos TikTok users will see? In this episode we discuss the recent push for algorithm transparency and TikTok’s response. All of that to help answer the question: how does this algorithm impact us as Christians? How should Christians approach an app like TikTok for ourselves or our children with what we know about the algorithm? We look at two major areas of concern regarding the content pushed: CONSUMERISM and FAME, and what God’s word has to say about this. Articles referenced: https://www.vice.com/en/article/4axmzq/tiktok-self-harm-eating-disorder-teens-algorithm https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/57833/1/demystifying-algorithm-social-media-tiktok-eating-disorder-self-harm-twitter https://blog.hootsuite.com/tiktok-algorithm/ https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/new-studies-quantify-tiktoks-growing-impact-on-culture-and-music https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/dec/15/tiktok-self-harm-study-results-every-parents-nightmare https://www.legalreader.com/tiktok-algorithms-are-exposing-preteens-to-self-harm-eds/ https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/21/22587113/tiktok-algorithm-wsj-investigation-rabbit-hole https://9to5mac.com/2022/12/20/how-tiktoks-algorithm-works/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/interactive/2022/tiktok-popularity/ https://uxdesign.cc/i-was-on-tiktok-for-30-days-it-is-manipulative-addictive-and-harmful-to-privacy-9e25445a9122 Scriptures referenced: James 1:22 Phil 4:8-9 Luke 12:15 1 Tim 6:6-8 Phil 3:20 1 Cor 10:31 1 Tim 6:9 John 6 James 4:3 James 4:10 James 4:1-4* Psalm 139* Phil 2:1-5 *Use when discussing with children. Documentary referenced: Generation Wealth (Rated ‘R’)