The TikTok Fallacy
Publication Date
Spring 4-14-2025
Presentation Length
15 minutes
College
Jack C. Massey College of Business
Department
Economics and Finance
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Research
Faculty Advisor
Dustin J. Rumbaugh
WELL Core Type
Intellectual Wellness
SPARK Session
I don't know, Independent?
Presentation Type
Talk/Oral
Summary
In the past few years, TikTok has become one of the most popular platforms for short video content. This study explores the Phenomenon of “The TikTok Fallacy”, a cognitive bias similar to the gambler’s fallacy or the hot hand fallacy. Where users develop a sense that the next video that they encounter will be humorous, interesting, or entertaining, despite past outcomes when scrolling. This research aims to examine how the TikTok algorithm and users' behavior create this pattern of thinking to continuously engage with content in search of the next "hit.” Through a survey done by university students.
Recommended Citation
Craddock, Katie C., "The TikTok Fallacy" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 106.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/106