Breaking Down Barriers in Social Media: TikTok Extends STEM Feed to All Users in the U.S., UK, and Ireland
In a significant move to promote access to reliable and educational content on its platform, TikTok is expanding its STEM feed to all users in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Until now, this feed was available only to users under the age of 18.
Launched last year, the STEM feed serves as a dedicated hub for vetted science, technology, engineering, and math content. Since its inception, the feed has seen an impressive 200 million videos uploaded, resulting in an 18% surge in STEM-related content on the platform. The feed’s popularity among teenagers is evident, with one-third of teen users in the U.S., UK, and Ireland accessing it on a weekly basis.
To ensure the quality and credibility of the content, all videos on the STEM feed must pass through a thorough vetting process, led by Common Sense Networks and The Poynter Institute for Media Studies. This partnership guarantees that all content is both age-appropriate and reliable, addressing the pressing issue of misinformation on the platform. According to a recent report by Newsguard, AI-enhanced videos spreading election misinformation have garnered over 380 million views, underscoring the need for authenticated content channels like the STEM feed.
In its efforts to tackle concerns about the platform’s impact on teen mental health, TikTok has referred to the STEM feed as a shining example of its initiatives to foster a culture of learning and education. While acknowledging the importance of science and mathematics, the platform seeks to demonstrate its potential as a force for good. TikTok has also pointed to the STEM feed in response to criticism about its role in teenagers’ online lives.
The STEM feed is part of a broader series of Topic Feeds available on the platform, including Sports, Food, Gaming, and Fashion feeds. These hubs provide users with alternatives to their For You Page and Following feed, offering more targeted content that aligns with their interests.
As the STEM feed becomes accessible to all users in the U.S., UK, and Ireland, individuals can choose to enable or disable it in their app settings under "content preferences." By embracing this shift towards more inclusive and accessible educational content, TikTok is making a conscious effort to redefine its platform and promote a healthier online experience.
As we navigate an era of rapidly evolving social media, such developments underscore the growing need for innovative approaches that integrate education, entertainment, and responsibility. By aligning with these values, TikTok aims to demonstrate its capabilities and redefine the user experience.
