TikTok's For You Page (FYP) serves as the default home screen for users and is driven by an algorithm that utilizes both implicit signals, such as video watch time, and explicit signals like likes and follows. Research from Northwestern University indicates that while engagement signals impact content visibility, their effect is temporary. Users have reported that negative feedback, such as not watching a suggested video or using the 'not interested' feature, does not effectively remove unwanted content from their FYP. Co-author Piotr Sapiezynski noted that the research aimed to investigate user agency and the effectiveness of feedback mechanisms on the platform.
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Study Examines User Control Over TikTok's For You Page
A study from Northwestern University has found that TikTok's algorithm may not effectively respond to negative feedback from users regarding content on their For You Page. While engagement signals do influence content temporarily, users often continue to see unwanted videos despite indicating they are not interested.
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Piotr Sapiezynski
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Original Headline
TikTok users don't have as much agency over their FYPs as they think
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Study Examines User Control Over TikTok's For You Page