European Commission Cracks Down on TikTok Over 'Addictive Design'
The European Commission has issued a preliminary ruling that TikTok has breached its Digital Services Act by incorporating an "addictive design" into its app. This move could force the Chinese-owned social media giant to alter its platform's layout in order to reduce its addictive nature.
According to the commission, TikTok failed to adequately assess how its algorithm might harm users' physical and mental wellbeing. By presenting a constant stream of new content, the app encourages users to continuously scroll through their feeds, entering "autopilot mode" that can lead to compulsive behavior and reduced self-control.
Critics argue that TikTok's powerful algorithm pushes content to users based on their past engagement, creating an environment where users become trapped in an endless loop. The commission also points out the app's inadequate screen time management features and parental control tools as a significant risk factor.
The proposed changes would include disabling "infinite scroll" over time, implementing regular screen time breaks during nighttime hours, and modifying the recommender system to reduce the push of addictive content. If implemented, these changes could help mitigate the risks created by TikTok's design.
The commission stated that its preliminary views do not foreclose on the outcome of the investigation and that TikTok will have an opportunity to challenge its findings. The company has responded by stating that it rejects the commission's allegations, calling them "categorically false" and "meritless".
TikTok's addictive design has been a subject of concern in recent years. In 2022, Elon Musk's X was fined €120m for breaching the Digital Services Act with its own "addictive design". This move sets an important precedent for regulating social media platforms' impact on users.
The European Commission's decision highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding the digital services of major tech companies. As online safety campaigners continue to push for action, it remains to be seen whether TikTok will successfully challenge the commission's findings and alter its addictive design.
The European Commission has issued a preliminary ruling that TikTok has breached its Digital Services Act by incorporating an "addictive design" into its app. This move could force the Chinese-owned social media giant to alter its platform's layout in order to reduce its addictive nature.
According to the commission, TikTok failed to adequately assess how its algorithm might harm users' physical and mental wellbeing. By presenting a constant stream of new content, the app encourages users to continuously scroll through their feeds, entering "autopilot mode" that can lead to compulsive behavior and reduced self-control.
Critics argue that TikTok's powerful algorithm pushes content to users based on their past engagement, creating an environment where users become trapped in an endless loop. The commission also points out the app's inadequate screen time management features and parental control tools as a significant risk factor.
The proposed changes would include disabling "infinite scroll" over time, implementing regular screen time breaks during nighttime hours, and modifying the recommender system to reduce the push of addictive content. If implemented, these changes could help mitigate the risks created by TikTok's design.
The commission stated that its preliminary views do not foreclose on the outcome of the investigation and that TikTok will have an opportunity to challenge its findings. The company has responded by stating that it rejects the commission's allegations, calling them "categorically false" and "meritless".
TikTok's addictive design has been a subject of concern in recent years. In 2022, Elon Musk's X was fined €120m for breaching the Digital Services Act with its own "addictive design". This move sets an important precedent for regulating social media platforms' impact on users.
The European Commission's decision highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding the digital services of major tech companies. As online safety campaigners continue to push for action, it remains to be seen whether TikTok will successfully challenge the commission's findings and alter its addictive design.
. I mean, wasn't just using an app supposed to be optional? Now everyone's walking around with their faces buried in screens, and it's like they're zombies or something 
. I know TikTok can be addictive, but what's the big deal? It's just a fun way to pass the time... I remember when we used to play Pac-Man at the arcade until our eyes hurt 
. Anyway, gotta give props to the European Commission for trying to do something about it 
. But let's hope TikTok can make some changes without sucking the life out of their users (pun intended) 
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"The whole is more than the sum of its parts." The European Commission's decision on TikTok is a reminder that tech companies have a responsibility to prioritize user well-being over profits. If they can't, who will? 
. Like, what did they expect? A social media app that's designed to keep you hooked is gonna have some kinda addictive design. It's like, TikTok's whole thing is based on keeping you entertained for hours on end. They're basically creating a dopamine hit factory 
. And now the EU is trying to regulate it? Like, good luck with that 
. I mean, how hard can it be to just make an app that doesn't suck you in? It's not like they don't know what makes us tick (pun intended). This whole thing feels like a PR stunt to me 
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- if Europe is cracking down on TikTok over its addictive design, what does that say about our own social media giants here in the US? We need to be questioning why Facebook and Instagram are still raking it in without making similar changes. I mean, Elon Musk gets fined €120m for similar issues with X, but we're still allowing these platforms to operate under a different set of rules 
OMG u guys Tiktok is literally the most addictive app ever i mean i get it they want us to keep coming back but c'mon 
idk how else to explain why i'm scrolling thru vids at 3am lol 
guess that's one less thing for me to worry about when my parents ask me to put down my phone
maybe its not as bad as everyone says but at the same time, if they're gonna crack down on it then maybe tiktok should rethink their design tho? 
also i wonder how much of this has to do with the fact that elon musk owns x now 
anyway, i guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next 
. They're just trying to protect their users from potential harm. And honestly, if Elon Musk's X can get fined for similar issues in 2022 
We need platforms like TikTok that allow us to express ourselves, but also have measures in place to prevent us from getting too caught up in the vortex of endless scrolling 
. So, I'm rooting for TikTok to make some changes and work with the commission to find a solution 
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And don't even get me started on the impact it has on our mental health. I'm all for freedom of speech and all that jazz, but come on, guys! Let's make sure we're not compromising our wellbeing in the process 
. It's about time major tech companies started taking responsibility for their impact on users. I'm curious to see how TikTok will respond to this preliminary ruling, but fingers crossed they'll make some serious changes 
. Maybe it's time we rethink the way social media platforms are designed and prioritize our health over engagement numbers 
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. The European Commission is taking a step in the right direction by cracking down on TikTok's addictive design 
. Let's hope it inspires other companies to do the same and create a healthier online environment 
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. If he changes his algorithm, wont people just find another way to game the system? 
. And what about free speech? Should we be censored just because some random person says their phone is addictive? 
. And what's up w/ the parental control tools? 
They just keep showing us more and more stuff until we can't stop scrolling... 
I think that's kinda smart, actually. We need to be careful about how much time we spend on our screens! 
and the part about screen time management is super relevant especially now that everyone's always glued to their screens at night