In the midst of the information explosion, TikTok often receives mixed feedback about the authenticity of information on short videos. So TikTok just launched a STEM Feed option with content related to science, technology, engineering, and math topics.
TikTok is adding a new Feed dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content. At the same time, Tiktok will strengthen censorship before the video is released.
Feed STEM will exist next to two existing Feeds, “Following” (Following) and “For you” (For you). When clicking on Feed STEM, users will see the content of trending science and technology videos. Users in the US will start seeing Feed STEM in the next few weeks.
Not all science and technology content will appear on the STEM feed. TikTok says to qualify for STEM, videos will need to pass additional checks from partner organizations to ensure credibility and safety for viewers.
According to TikTok, Common Sense Networks will check to make sure the content is appropriate for the news feed, and Poynter (the organization that monitors and validates the quality of information) will evaluate the reliability of the video information provided. In the past, TikTok has also partnered with Common Sense Networks to screen content for younger users.
The addition of a topic-specific management Feed (which is STEM in the immediate future) is expected to bring content and behavior innovation to the TikTok community. Users who are usually not interested in science and technology will likely be attracted, clicked, and dig deeper.
TikTok said the Feed was originally a place to help users access trusted entertainment content. However, science and health have gradually become hotbeds of misinformation since the Covid-19 beginning of the epidemic. TikTok has worked to prevent misinformation or misinformation about Covid-19 and vaccines, but it’s unclear if videos on these two topics will be included in the STEM Feed. TikTok still leaves the criteria for videos selected and considered to appear on STEM.
In February, TikTok ran a limited experiment with feeds based on topics similar to STEM, including categories like fashion, sports, and games. TikTok also said it is testing the theme for message boards in select markets.
The STEM update comes at a time when TikTok is under scrutiny by lawmakers over user safety and concerns the app will pose a national security risk. In early March, lawmakers introduced a bill that would give US President Joe Biden the power to ban TikTok, and CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to testify before the US Congress on March 23.
