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TikTok Feeds Teens a Diet of Darkness

TikTok's algorithm steers teens to videos about self-harm, sad-posting, and disordered eating. Screenshots of videos nodding at self-harm. American Psychological Association recommends parents monitor their kids’ social-media scrolling.

1 min read
  • TikTok’s algorithm steers teens to videos about self-harm, sad-posting, and disordered eating.
  • A recent study found that fake accounts belonging to 13-year-olds were quickly inundated with such content.
  • Screenshots of videos nodding at self-harm, compiled by the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
  • TikTok aims to remove videos that promote or glorify self-harm while allowing educational or recovery content.
  • American Psychological Association recommends parents monitor their kids’ social-media scrolling and watch for troublesome use.
TikTok Feeds Teens a Diet of Darkness
Self-harm, sad-posting and disordered-eating videos abound on the popular app
WSJJulie Jargon

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