Introduction
In a bid to counter claims that it is harmful for young users, TikTok has announced that its STEM feed will be enabled by default for all users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland. The expansion of the feed comes after criticism from lawmakers and rights groups who argued that TikTok uses addictive design practices to keep users engaged.
Background
The STEM feed was initially launched in response to concerns over the impact of social media on teens’ mental health. However, since its launch, the app has seen an 18% increase in STEM-related content, with videos reaching 200 million views. The company plans to expand local language support for the feed in the future.
The STEM Feed: A Space for Co-Learning and Inspiration
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, has touted the STEM feed as a way to provide users with educational content that is not only engaging but also enriching. The company says that the STEM feed provides a space for co-learning, inspiration, and enrichment, which can help users develop new skills and interests.
Why the Expansion of the STEM Feed?
The expansion of the STEM feed may be seen as an attempt by TikTok to counter claims that it is harmful for young users. By making the feed available to all users in these countries, TikTok is looking to market itself as a place for learning, not just doomscrolling.
TikTok’s Efforts to Address Concerns Over Mental Health
TikTok has been criticized for its impact on mental health, with some arguing that the app can be addictive and damaging to users’ well-being. However, the company has taken steps to address these concerns by introducing features such as Screen Time Management, which allows users to set limits on their screen time.
The Future of STEM Content on TikTok
With the expansion of the STEM feed, TikTok is looking to further promote educational content on its platform. The company plans to expand local language support for the feed in the future, which will allow more users to access and engage with STEM-related content.
Conclusion
The expansion of the STEM feed by TikTok is a significant step towards promoting educational content on social media platforms. By providing users with a space for co-learning, inspiration, and enrichment, TikTok is looking to address concerns over its impact on mental health.
How Users Can Turn Off the STEM Feed
If you’re not interested in seeing STEM-related content on your TikTok feed, you can turn off the feed by going into the app’s settings and navigating to the ‘content preferences’ section. This will remove the STEM feed from your home screen and prevent it from displaying in your feed.
The Benefits of the STEM Feed
The STEM feed provides users with a space for co-learning, inspiration, and enrichment. By displaying STEM content to users by default, TikTok is looking to market itself as a place for learning, not just doomscrolling. The benefits of the STEM feed include:
- Increased exposure to educational content: The STEM feed allows users to access a wide range of educational content that can help them develop new skills and interests.
- Improved mental health: By providing users with engaging and enriching content, TikTok is looking to address concerns over its impact on mental health.
- Enhanced user experience: The STEM feed provides users with a space for co-learning and inspiration, which can enhance their overall experience on the platform.
The Future of Social Media and Education
The expansion of the STEM feed by TikTok marks an important shift in the way that social media platforms approach education. By providing users with a space for co-learning, inspiration, and enrichment, social media platforms are looking to promote educational content and address concerns over their impact on mental health.
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