TikTok Expands STEM Feed, Making Educational Content Accessible to Users of All Ages

TikTok has expanded its STEM feed to all users across the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland. 

Initially introduced for TikTok users under 18, the STEM feed is now available by default for users of all ages in these regions. 

The goal is to make educational content more accessible on the platform, allowing users to explore topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The platform emphasises that while the feed is now activated by default, users still have the option to disable it through the app’s settings under “content preferences.”

This expansion follows issues from lawmakers and advocacy groups, who have raised alarms over TikTok’s impact on young people. In particular, the app has been accused of deploying addictive design features that keep users engaged for long periods, prompting the platform to highlight its focus on educational content through the STEM feed.

In earlier congressional testimonies in the US, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, mentioned the STEM feed as part of the company’s efforts to provide value to users, especially in educational contexts. 

The feature was introduced as a way of countering the argument that the platform was harmful to young people’s mental health. 

With this latest expansion, TikTok seems to be making itself more than just an entertainment app, encouraging learning and discovery.

The company reports that since the STEM feed’s initial launch, there has been an 18% rise in STEM-related videos on the platform, with over 200 million views attributed to the feed. 

TikTok also plans to introduce local language support for this feature in the future, further broadening its reach.

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