HN Explorer

TikTok tried to manipulate me – uninstalled

12 points by foosamu ↗ HN
The Ticktock (android) application has done 3 annoying things that ended up in me deleting it.

1. First they created a push notification that simulated a private message to me [weekday]

2. They created a push notification that simulated a thread reply [weekday]

3. They pushed out something simulating pornographic content (what really made me angry was that it matches my search history!!!) [Weekend, not work friendly]

After nbr 3 the app was uninstalled..

18 comments

[ 3.1 ms ] story [ 40.7 ms ] thread
colesantiago
just don't use the app, then?

not a big deal is it?

edit: also for 3. what the hell have you been searching for?!?

foosamu
Ofcourse I won't since I deleted it, but too me it's an extreme way of business.. Also they might in the comming 10years position themselves like facebook did, then it's not so easy not to use anymore (i.e. everyone is on messenger)..
zzleeper
Once an app does two of those push notifs, I permanently disable that. Facebook/IG does the same crap to me, as well as a few others
foosamu
It's sad because push notifications could offer end users actual value..
dylz
for 3, this is normal, tiktok sends everybody a lot of sexualised content
suyash
Looks like they have taking the pages out of FB - they must be a social dilemma movie fan
blkknightarms
Isn't TikTok just Vine or beme redux? ADD-like dopamine- engagement addiction via short video content?

Do we really need more time-suck, content consumption platforms when people are lonelier, more atomized, unwilling/unable to socialize IRL, and divided from each other than ever?

I think there ought to be a two month annual holiday where social media is shutdown to encourage people to go outside and socialize because it won't happen otherwise.

poletopole
I received a verification sms from Tiktok not too long ago. Some runt used my phone number to sign up for Tiktok. I don’t even know what Tiktok is.
angryasian
As an Android tik tok user, this sounds like bs. I've never seen or heard of any of these things from others.
foosamu
It could be part of a strategy for inactive users, I was inactive for 30+ days before the first push notification..
factorialboy
"it's not happened to me therefore it must be bs"

Good one

gitgud
LinkedIn has similar dark patterns. They send me lots of fake push notifications... These companies are motivated by user engagement, so getting users to open the app again is important
trungdq88
This is the exact reason I deleted my LinkedIn account years ago. I hate these dark pattern with passion!
foosamu
Yes! Linkedin is also really pushy with this, but being honest once I got a job (they contacted me through linkedin) that boosted my salary 30% with linkedin, really helped me with my personal economy. Also you cannot not be on linkedin in my region because then you are not normal :( ..

That being said, I have disabled all notifications on linkedin, but still they manage too be annoying when I'm added by someone who is selling me something (I don't mind the endless recruiters)..

trengorilla
Why does everyone want to appear normal? Who cares.
foosamu
If you have bills with due dates...
godot
I don't install the LinkedIn mobile app and I disable all notification emails on my LinkedIn account. This works quite well to be honest. They can send a whole bunch of notifications (I see them every time I log in) but I'm not bothered by them. I do this because I agree with you that LinkedIn is still the most helpful tool for job hunting or recruiting, and I use it for such purposes. Other than that, I don't want it to notify me of anything.