By THE HILL
Published on May 22, 2024
New research finds that TikTok’s powerful algorithms are promoting videos about self harm and eating disorders to teens. The findings come from the Center for Countering Digital Hate, which created TikTok accounts for fictitious young people living in the U.S., Britain, Canada and Australia.
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers (R) filed a suit against TikTok on Wednesday, accusing the social media giant of being “addictive and harmful to teens and children,” adding that the app is “fueling a youth mental health crisis.”
The suit claims that TikTok’s algorithm and content distribution structure provides minor users with harmful content without proper consumer protection warnings.
“TikTok is fueling a youth mental health crisis in Nebraska, exploiting children and teens,” Hilgers wrote in a statement.
He continued, “TikTok tells parents its platform is safe for kids, but our investigation reveals that nothing could be further from the truth.”