2024-10-15 13:15:00
Internal documents reveal that TikTok was fully aware of the devastating effects of its algorithm on the mental health of young people. However, the company preferred to reduce prevention measures to a minimum, fearing a drop in ratings. These revelations once again raise the question of the responsibility of digital giants towards public health.
It’s hard to look away when videos are looping on TikTok… And this is precisely the goal of the Chinese company: to capture the minds of its young users. According to internal documents revealed by Kentucky Public Radio, TikTok was well aware of the harmful effects of its platform, particularly in terms of anxiety and addiction.
This information, cited by The Parisianthey come from a legal file that brings together thirteen US attorneys. Internal exchanges show that, from the beginning, TikTok knew that its algorithm was fueling compulsive consumption. The observation? “Compulsive use (of TikTok) is linked to a number of negative mental health effects, such as loss of analytical ability,” conclude the platform’s researchers. Anxiety, memory loss and inability to carry on conversations are just some of the symptoms encountered.
What is shocking is the company’s reaction. Aware of the severity, however, TikTok has not sought to significantly improve its protection measures. For that? Because limiting the time spent on the platform would have risked decreasing the audience. “Our goal is not to reduce the time spent,” quips a company manager in an internal exchange. In short, user engagement comes first, regardless of the consequences.
Faced with these accusations, TikTok tries to defend itself by denouncing “misleading quotes” and highlighting its parental control tools. But this is not enough to overshadow the fact that the company only acted when the spotlight was on it. It’s a commitment at all costs, even if it means sacrificing a generation to digital dopamine.
#Youth #mental #health #TikTok #knew