Dancing and learning about astrophysics : A case study on user behavior of students in Sweden using TikTok and the app's impact on their lives

Abstract: The social media app TikTok, owned by the Chinese Company ByteDance, has become a worldwide success with over one billion monthly active users due to an algorithm that enables users to consume individually tailored content. However, it was also part of pol itical confrontations between countries like the USA and China due to allegedly security risks. Moreover, the app could be classified as a persuasive technology with potential on Students in Sweden with quantitati ethical and privacy concerns . A case study ve and qualitative research methods was conducted to understand user behavior and the app's impact on users. The former was a survey with 36 participants, and the latter interviews with 6 participants. The case study results indicate, among other things, t hat the participants consume content beyond entertainment, evaluate the algorithm as accurate, do not unambiguously experience a filter bubble, and asses the app as addictive. Despite ethical and privacy concerns, the app has potential for different use ca ses, such as marketing or education.