Social media platforms like TikTok collect massive amounts of user data, shaping not only thecontent we see but also our behaviours, identities, and even our sense of self.
assumption: I make a broad claim about TikTok shaping behaviour and identity without directly collecting evidence from users.
Rather than giving users morecontrol, TikTok’s data-driven design limits agency, determining what content is seen, who gainsvisibility, and how digital identities are formed.
This is my overall conclusions based on my analysis of TikTok's interface, policies, and existing research. A different method could have produced evidence about how users themselves experience this loss of control.
Consequently, TikTok’sself-tracking mechanisms not only collect user data but actively play a role in shaping identityand self-perception, creating users that conform to certain digital identities, whether byparticipating in viral trends, adopting dominant aesthetics, or producing advertiser-friendlycontent.
Limitation: My analysis can suggest how TikTok may shape identity, but I did not directly study users experiences or measure changes in their identities or self-perception, I just assumed this.
Thisprocess creates a feedback loop where users’ viewing habits and online identities are subtlyshaped by what the platform produces for them (Zannettou et al. 2023).
evidence of point
TikTok’s self-trackingmechanisms reinforce Foucault's argument of disciplinary power as they are constantlymonitoring user interactions and feeding them content that conditions specific responses
I use Foucaults theory as a framework to interpret how the platforms data collection and recommendations in their feed may influence the users
Gary Wolf’s vision of the quantified self movement presents self-tracking as a tool forempowerment, allowing individuals to collect and analyze their own data to improve their lives(Wolf 2009). On TikTok, however, self-tracking is less about personal agency and more aboutcorporate profit.
Method/approach: I connect back to my original argument of being against Gary Wolfs statement
Interpretation: I interpret TikTok's data collection through the idea of corporate control but I did not directly investigate TikTok's internal profit or data practices
However, critical perspectives from other scholarssuch as Shoshana Zuboff and Michel Foucault, suggest that digital surveillance reinforces powerstructures, turning users into passive subjects of data capitalism and control (Zuboff 2019;Foucault 1975).
Method: I use other scholarly sources from readings in this course to prove my argument against Gary Wolfs statement
On TikTok, thismanifests in the form of shadow bans and content suppression, where creators may unknowinglyhave their content reach limited without ever being notified or told why.
Evidence and Limitation: I discuss shadow banning as an example of hidden moderation, but I did not directly investigate individual accounts or the platforms internal moderation system.
Since the platform profits from engagement-drivenadvertising, content that aligns with advertiser preferences is boosted, while controversial orpolitically sensitive material is often suppressed.
I assume here that advertiser interests directly influence which content is boosted or suppressed, but again did not collect evidence from TikTok or advertisers to confirm this connection.
Moreover, TikTok’s moderation policies are shaped by economic interests rather than justcommunity guidelines
I connect TikTok's moderation decisions to economic interests, but I didn't have direct evidence about how the platform makes these decisions internally.
TikTok’s moderation policies exemplify this, as marginalized voices such asthose who discuss race, gender, politics, and serious mental health issues are frequentlysuppressed by the algorithm, often in ways that are hidden and unmentioned
I make an assumption about marginalized voices being suppressed but I did not actually collect or analyze content to show how frequently this occurs
TikTok’s content moderation policies highlight how platform governance subtly (and notso subtly) shapes user behavior
I analyze TikTok's governance and moderation polices as a method to examine how platform rules can influence the users.
TikTok’s interface is built to keep users engaged. The “For You Page” (FYP) is analgorithm-driven feed that continuously refines itself based on user activity, ensuring anever-ending stream of personalized content.
I use an analysis method of TikTok's interface and features as evidence for my argument
TikTok users often conform to the types ofcontent that the algorithm favours, often reproducing the platform's dominant trends rather thanengaging in their own self-expression.
Assumption: I make a broad claim about how TikTok users behave without directly collecting data from users.
While thispersonalization can enhance user experience, it also creates addictive behaviors, keeping users onthe platform longer
Assumption: I connect TikTok’s design to addictive behaviour, but my method does not directly study users behaviour.
Every like, comment, and watch time metriccontributes to the user's data-driven profile and dictates what a user sees next
Evidence: I rely on how TikTok's platform works and outside research to explain how user activity affects recommendations for feed
TikTok’s self-tracking algorithm is less about user empowerment and more aboutcorporate control.
Interpretation: this is my overall interpretation of the evidence rather than something I directly measured
This paperwill examine TikTok’s interface, governance policies, and its role in shaping identity
Method: My main approach was analyzing TikTok's interface and governance polices, supported by course readings and outside research.