TikTok Algorithm Identifies Users' Sexual Orientation Before They Do, Australian Study Finds
A recent Australian study reveals that TikTok's algorithm can detect users' sexual orientation and gender identity before they themselves fully understand it. Published in the academic journal Gender, Place & Culture, the research involved in-depth interviews with dozens of LGBTQ+ participants aged 18 to 60 from two major Australian cities. The study aimed to explore how members of the community use digital spaces to investigate their identities, especially during periods of uncertainty or before coming out publicly.
Many participants reported maintaining anonymity by using separate accounts, setting high privacy levels, and passively consuming content without interaction. Despite this, their "For You" pages quickly began showing LGBTQ+ content. Dr. Justin Ellis, the lead researcher, explained that the algorithm infers interests and identities from subtle behaviors such as the time spent watching specific videos, likes, and following creators. One 25-year-old lesbian participant shared that anonymity helped her explore her identity privately and feel comfortable with herself over time.
While some saw the algorithm as a supportive tool for self-discovery and community connection, others expressed serious concerns about platforms inferring sensitive personal information without explicit disclosure. Participants worried about potential exposure risks, especially in countries hostile to LGBTQ+ individuals. Ellis emphasized that platforms must take responsibility for protecting users’ privacy and security when identities are algorithmically revealed.
The study also highlighted positive outcomes, with some users discovering local LGBTQ+ events and communities through TikTok recommendations, helping them build friendships and reduce feelings of isolation. This research adds to ongoing scrutiny of TikTok’s handling of sensitive user data, following reports in 2023 that company employees previously accessed dashboards showing users who viewed LGBTQ+ content, a practice later discontinued amid internal criticism.
