We at Australian Internet Observatory are thrilled to share the latest work from our QUT research lead Patrik Wikström and his team on the new ARC Discovery For You Research Project. The researchers at Queensland University of Technology and the University of Sydney (USyd) focus on TikTok as a test case, aiming to explore how user data can be harnessed for research and public good. This pilot project is designed to gather valuable insights into the ways TikTok shapes user experiences and influences public discourse. Ever wondered why do you see, what you see on your FYP? By donating your TikTok data, you can learn how the TikTok curates your feed. This initiative is part of a broader effort to develop the Australian Internet Observatory’s data donation capabilities for digital platform researchers.
TikTok users can download their data from the app, which includes a wealth of information about their viewing habits and interactions. This tool allows participants to upload this data anonymously. The tool then analyses the data to provide insights into their TikTok personality and viewing patterns. This process not only helps individuals understand their own data but also contributes to a larger dataset that researchers can use to study trends and behaviors on the platform. ““TikTok is a highly personalised platform and it’s “shaping what Australians see online. One of our questions is if there is some kind of shared experience on TikTok, or if we all live in our own little TikTok bubble,” shared Professor Patrik Wikström at the launch of this study.
This project aims to investigate three key questions:
- What content does TikTok recommend to Australian users, and how does this shape our culture?
- How do different people experience and interpret the algorithm?
- How do TikTok creators adapt their strategies to stay visible and relevant?
Why should you participate?
By participating in this pilot, you can play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of social media dynamics. Your data will help researchers answer important questions about how TikTok influences culture, creativity, and public discourse in Australia, especially during significant events like the 2025 Australian Federal Election. We at AIO are urging people to participate as this research will provide valuable insights and help us refine our approach to digital platforms observability through novel research methods like data donation. The insights gained from this pilot will inform our future efforts to create a comprehensive data donation framework.
If you are an Australian who consumes content on TikTok, participating in the For You Research Project will help you see the social media app from a completely new perspective. The research team is using a combination of data analysis, interviews, and user participation to study online recommender system of TikTok.
- Get involved in the For You Research Project
- Read the project as it featured on ABC News How to find out your TikTok personality – and become a ‘citizen scientist’
- Engage with the dashboard to know your personality profile
