Abstract
TikTok’s recommendation algorithm is dependent on user behavior. The For You Page accumulates and recommends content with the intention of maintaining a user’s attention. This content is tailored to a user's past interactions with the platform and data inferences made about what they might like, dislike, engage with, comment on, want to see, and more.
Alongside the inflation of social platforms created in the same vein, has come a heightened awareness of algorithmic bias. Additionally, this awareness raises concerns about recommendation algorithms, particularly how they may affect an individual user. This study investigates how Black or African American TikTok users experience the platform in comparison to White TikTok users and what patterns emerge based on user engagement.
The study is comprised of a survey analysis with 100 participants and over 30 questions regarding experience, interaction, and engagement with TikTok. An analysis of the responses finds that on average, Black or African American TikTok users experience the platform with vivid differences from those of White TikTok users. In fact, over 80% of Black or African American respondents say they’ve been so influenced by TikTok content that they’ve changed something about their identity or how they present themselves to the world. Some White TikTok users never see Black-created content, and over half of the Black or African American respondents see content with non-Black creators using African American Vernacular English.
The controversy of algorithmic bias and racism requires more attention and problem-solving. While this paper may serve as a beginning source of insight into how Black or African American TikTok users experience the platform, future research is vital.
Alongside the inflation of social platforms created in the same vein, has come a heightened awareness of algorithmic bias. Additionally, this awareness raises concerns about recommendation algorithms, particularly how they may affect an individual user. This study investigates how Black or African American TikTok users experience the platform in comparison to White TikTok users and what patterns emerge based on user engagement.
The study is comprised of a survey analysis with 100 participants and over 30 questions regarding experience, interaction, and engagement with TikTok. An analysis of the responses finds that on average, Black or African American TikTok users experience the platform with vivid differences from those of White TikTok users. In fact, over 80% of Black or African American respondents say they’ve been so influenced by TikTok content that they’ve changed something about their identity or how they present themselves to the world. Some White TikTok users never see Black-created content, and over half of the Black or African American respondents see content with non-Black creators using African American Vernacular English.
The controversy of algorithmic bias and racism requires more attention and problem-solving. While this paper may serve as a beginning source of insight into how Black or African American TikTok users experience the platform, future research is vital.
| Hopper_MS_Thesis_Project.pdf |