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From Connection to Isolation: The Role of TikTok Algorithmic Personalization in Computational Media and Cross-cultural Communication
- 1 Shanghai University
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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
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Cite this article
Yin,J. (2025). From Connection to Isolation: The Role of TikTok Algorithmic Personalization in Computational Media and Cross-cultural Communication. Communications in Humanities Research,61,44-52.
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Volume title: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Literature, Language, and Culture Development
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