Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

From Connection to Isolation: The Role of TikTok Algorithmic Personalization in Computational Media and Cross-cultural Communication

Jue YinShanghai University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

With the popularity of social media platforms, recommendation algorithms play an important role in user content exposure. However, while the personalized recommendation mechanism of the algorithm may promote cross-cultural communication and understanding, it could also strengthen information barriers and affect users' cultural cognition and cross-cultural communication ability. This paper focuses on TikTok's recommendation algorithm and uses a related studies analysis method to explore its impact on multicultural content exposure and cross-cultural communication. According to the findings of numerous related studies, TikTok's algorithm enhances the probability of users being exposed to specific cultural content through strengthening interest - based matching. Moreover, TikTok's algorithm restricts the extensive dissemination of cross - cultural content on account of its "loneliness effect", thus diminishing the depth and quality of cross - cultural understanding. This paper has revealed the two-sided nature of recommendation algorithms in cross-cultural communication and provides inspiration for improving algorithm design and promoting cross-cultural communication.

Keywords: TikTok; algorithm; personalization; loneliness effect; cross-cultural communication
Published: January 24, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.20620
Volume: CHR Vol.61
pp. 44-52
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