Science Quickly How TikTok’s Algorithm Could Shift with a U.S. Spin-off
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Oct 29, 2025 Kelley Cotter, an assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University specializing in algorithms and social media, dives into TikTok's influential algorithm and its potential U.S. spin-off. She discusses how ownership changes could impact transparency and content diversity. Kelley highlights what makes TikTok distinct, emphasizing short videos and user engagement. The conversation also touches on how new investors might reshape the platform's ideology and content curation, making the future of TikTok a fascinating area of exploration.
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Algorithm Shapes Culture And Information
- TikTok's algorithm shapes what over a billion users see and share.
- Its influence extends beyond individual feeds to cultural and informational flows.
Users Know Filters But Not Broader Effects
- People now mostly know algorithms filter their feeds but lack deep understanding of societal impacts.
- Users learn about algorithms through personal experience, not systemic effects.
U.S. Spin-Off Will Rebuild The Algorithm
- The proposed U.S. spin-off will license and retrain TikTok's algorithm for American users.
- That process could materially change the app's recommendations and visibility of content.
