TikTok announced Wednesday that it is bringing the STEM feed to all users in the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland by default. Previously, the feed was only enabled by default for users under 18.
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The social network says the extension will make it easier for users to find educational content on the app.
Although streaming will be enabled for all users in these countries by default, you can disable streaming by going to the app settings and the “content preferences”.
TikTok initially launched the STEM stream in response to criticism from lawmakers and rights groups who argue that TikTok is harmful to teens and uses addictive design practices to keep users on the platform for as long as possible.
The company is using the launch of the STEM stream to counter claims that TikTok is harmful to young users. TikTok CEO Shou Chewpromoted the stream while testifying at two separate hearings in the US Congress, one in March 2023 and one in January 2024.
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Since TikTok has been criticized for being harmful to mental health, regardless of whether someone is a teenager or not, the company may be trying to address these kinds of claims by expanding the STEM stream to adults as well.
The company says the STEM stream provides a space for shared learning, inspiration, and enrichment. By showing STEM content to users by default, TikTok seeks to promote itself as a place for learning, not just viewing.
TikTok says that since the STEM stream launched, the app has seen an 18% increase in STEM-related content and that videos on the stream have reached 200 million views. The company plans to expand local language support for the stream in the future
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TikTok has become a thriving platform for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) enthusiasts to share innovative ideas and discoveries in an engaging and accessible way. Through short videos, creators can effectively demystify complex concepts, making STEM subjects more engaging for a wider audience. Educational content creators use this platform to showcase experiments, explain theories, and even provide insights into the latest technological developments. Harnessing the power of visual storytelling, TikTok serves as a powerful educational tool that inspires curiosity and cultivates a passion for STEM among its millions of users around the world.
Source: techcrunch
