With the ban on TikTok looming over its head, the ByteDance-owned app is attempting to assuage the concerns of its critics and demonstrating its commitment to providing transparency and giving users the freedom to control their app experience.
Giving Users More Control Over their 'For You' Page: How TikTok is Responding to International Scrutiny
According to the story by Engadget, in the face of international scrutiny, the popular social media platform TikTok has been making a concerted effort to improve how its algorithm operates. A range of features evidence this app has recently released, such as the ability for users to "refresh" their "For You" page.
This feature allows users to reset the recommendations the page surfaces and make it more tailored to their individual needs and interests rather than forcing them to stick to the same recommendations that may no longer feel relevant.
Reducing Repetitive Content Patterns to Protect Users
On top of this, the app has been trying to reduce repetitive content patterns that could harm its users. This includes videos featuring content involving sadness, extreme dieting, and exercise.
When the app detects repeated patterns of this type in certain videos, it will substitute certain videos with content on a different topic. This way, users can limit their exposure to topics that could trigger them, as explained further in an article by Tech Crunch.
CEO Shou Zi Chew to Testify Before U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 23rd
To demonstrate that it is committed to improving its algorithm and responding to criticism, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to testify before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 23rd.
During this testimony, he is expected to provide insight into the app's privacy and data security and its impact on young users. Since the app's launch, TikTok's algorithm has drawn a lot of concerns and questions from authorities, who have suggested it was designed to be overly manipulative, as seen in UX Design.
Giving Users More Control Over Content They Can See
However, through the rollout of features that give users more control over the content they can see, it is now more clear than ever that the app is on a path to ensuring its users are not only engaged but safe.
TikTok will substitute some of the videos with ones that are about different topics. This helps to reduce the app's reliance on video algorithms, which have been the subject of controversy in the past.
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Ensuring a Safe and Enjoyable User Experience on TikTok
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew's mission is to portray the app positively as he prepares to address the House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 23rd. Here, he will be asked to discuss the app's privacy and data security policies, its content's impact on kids, and its ties to China.
With these new changes, the app hopes to make a good impression and demonstrate that they're taking all the necessary steps to ensure users can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Related Article: New TikTok STEM Feed Feature Will Benefit Young Users-Here's How It Works
