TikTok, one of the world's most popular and rapidly growing social media platforms, has inevitably faced controversy and crises due to its vast user base. The app has frequently been criticised for inadequate personal data verification and exposing children to age-inappropriate content.

In the United States, efforts have been made to push for a permanent ban on the Chinese-owned app to pressure its parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform. Currently, TikTok faces legal battles in more than a dozen states across the country. Court proceedings have brought to light the troubling contents of the company's internal reports.

According to National Public Radio, TikTok's internal documents indicate that users can develop an addiction to the app after just 35 minutes of screen time. Additionally, the platform's algorithm appears to favour individuals who conform to conventional beauty standards.

While beauty is largely subjective if TikTok indeed employs such methods, it reinforces the concept of "pretty privilege"—where people deemed attractive receive preferential treatment. This concern is one reason many large companies are moving away from requiring photos with CVs during recruitment, aiming to prevent appearance-based bias in hiring.

Authorities in Kentucky have also criticised TikTok, alleging that the platform " took active steps to promote a narrow beauty norm even though it could negatively impact their young users."

Source: dexerto.com