TikTok algorithm is weird - should I be worried?

6d ago·1 min read

My 13yo's FYP has somehow become... really intense? Like one day she's on dance videos and the next day the algorithm is feeding her 'skincare routines' that are definitely targeting insecurities. I mentioned something about it and she said I was being paranoid. I'm not trying to be the helicopter parent but the algorithmic manipulation is clearly there, right? How much should I actually worry? Is this just normal teen stuff or should we have more restrictions?

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Comments(5)

JJared C.Regular6d ago

One of my daughters got caught in the 'acne treatment' spiral and it tanked her confidence for like a month. I ended up talking to her about how TikTok basically shows you ads dressed up as content. Unfollowed some accounts and it helped

TTony L.Regular6d ago

Yeah that algorithm shift is REAL and yeah you should probably worry a little. Not panic, but pay attention. The skincare + insecurity pipeline on TikTok is exactly what the algorithm designers intended

AAl G.Regular6d ago

the algorithm targeting insecurities is literally the business model. i'd maybe set some boundaries without being preachy - like time limits or asking her to show you what she's watching. not monitoring her but staying aware

PPhil C.Regular4d ago

Has she said anything about the skincare videos? Like is she actually feeling insecure or is it just what the app is serving her? That distinction matters a lot

SSteve Q.Regular5d ago

responding to the 'talk to her about ads disguised as content' - did that approach actually land or did she get defensive? asking for a friend (my 14yo)