TikTok’s algorithm exposes Irish teens to harmful content, study finds.

A study by Trinity College Dublin and Ireland’s HSE finds TikTok’s “For You” feed exposes Irish teens to harmful content like hate speech, suicide depictions, and disordered eating, even during passive scrolling. Researchers analyzing dummy accounts of 13- to 15-year-olds found nearly 5% of recommended videos violated the platform’s safety policies, with algorithms promoting risky material based solely on viewing time, not user interaction. The findings highlight the inadequacy of voluntary safety measures and call for stronger regulation, digital health education, and structural accountability to protect youth mental health, urging Ireland—home to major tech regulatory hubs—to lead in safeguarding children online.