Read on Twitter
1) Kinda confused by the value and sale of Tiktok to Oracle in the US. Firstly the content: the popular perspective is that’s it’s safe v Facebook, more positive than Instagram and generally a good thing. After weeks of exploring, I don’t believe this to be true.
2) the algorithm is impressive at helping you slide into more and more of the content with which you engage. An endless scroll of candycrush’esk dopamine hits, gently exploring mini stretches in the genre you’re watching.
3) But it’s far from safe. As a car geek I’ve now seen more car crime, crashes (with the blood, limbs and detail you rarely see on FB or YT) and astonishingly dangerous driving as a specific Tiktok flex (70mph on London streets, 100mph weaving through traffic)
4) I’ll admit, easy to get sucked in. Then things turned darker, now it’s car crime of the stealing and joyriding type, gangs calling out their car prey and capturing the acts. Shootings... multiple reposts due to being removed
5) it’s also take me into a strand all about being aggressive to the Police; screaming, punching, provoking as entertainment
6) “swerving” is a thing
7) weird stuff (this is the softer side)
8) all the usual dancing antics, of course, most of which is fabulously entertaining, but far too much underage revealing videos seeking views and endorsement. (I feel uncomfortable sharing video here as I’m not sure the girls really understand it’s on the internet, not tiktok)
9) so, not sure we’ve ever had a new social network that wasn’t edgy to gain traction, but suggesting Tiktok is safe / positive / healthy is wrong, I’m sure they are racing to curate the platform, but it’s the same drive for time engaged to convert to value that drives content
