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Ep. 372: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm

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Ep. 372: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Sep 29
Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Sep 29
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

Last week, it was announced that Oracle would take over operation of TikTok in the US. One of the primary reasons proposed for this deal is that it was in national interests for us to take over control of TikTok’s fabled “algorithm.” But what is this algor...

Highlights

The recent announcement of Oracle taking over TikTok's U.S. operations has reignited debate over the power and nature of the platform’s algorithm. While much focus is on national security, deeper questions remain about how such systems influence behavior, shape beliefs, and operate without ethical guardrails.
29:05
TikTok's algorithm acts as a digital propagandist by exploiting human psychology without ethical constraints
47:17
Use social media only if it serves a hyper-focused, functional purpose without harming your life.
52:05
Flawed humans are better than flawed algorithms when selecting news.
1:01:32
Quantum computing is not a miracle machine despite the hype.
1:05:13
Systematic lifestyle changes lead to sustainable work-life balance.
1:23:08
Algorithms lack values and should not curate public information.

Chapters

Deep Dive: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm
00:00
Should I quit social media even if I don’t live on the slope of terribleness?
44:44
Is it bad to use TikTok to keep up with the news?
49:41
How does quantum computing relate to AI?
53:48
CASE STUDY: Trying to become a great composer
1:02:29
CALL: Tips for dealing with growing kids
1:08:58
CAL REACTS: Three Articles about TikTok (and Three Sighs of Exasperation)
1:18:04

Transcript

Cal Newport: The big news in the world of social media recently is the announcement made last week that U.S. interests would be taking over operation of TikTok in America. Now, this deal is complicated, so I'm going to read you here from a New York Times a...