If you are new to the Substack, welcome! Please note there is no need to pay me here. I remind people as much as possible that paying me for my writing here is a nice way to support my efforts, but unnecessary for access to the content. I will let you know if that changes. Despite that I have hundreds of paid subscribers to whom I am eternally grateful, thank you! Yes, I will start posting more!
LIL NEWS UPDATE & WHERE TO FOLLOW
As many of you may know I am minimizing my TikTok footprint going forward unless real change within the application happens. I will finish out my parasite series which I think is truly apropos for how I feel about the TikTok app right now.
But I’m not holding my breath for change.
TikTok is not a safe place for accurate science. I am far from the first Scientist to discover this about TikTok, I am sure I will not be the last to minimize engagement and posting. But if you are curious here are my reasons.
Moving forward and away from TikTok isn’t due to harassment (which is constant and extensive). It’s not due to the continual reporting of the scientifically accurate videos.
It is because the moderators that work for TikTok upheld six “Community Guidelines Violations” for “Misinformation” given to scientifically accurate videos in one week. This is a constant battle while mis/disinformation thrives and for clicks/likes/views. I have watched both complete charlatans as well as otherwise competent people dabble in disinformation to push the algorithm. To be successful on TikTok is to be controversial, to make people angry, to be intentionally incorrect. And it is starting to smell a little bit like what happened to twitter.
Furthermore, TikTok generally does not pay its creators a useful amount, but the removal of my account from the Creativity Program Beta is a matter of principle and demonstration of their punitive attacks on Science/STEM.
I am very proud of the science and health focused community we have built on TikTok. I know that many of the people who follow me are capable of finding the reports that were clearly shown and accurately referenced in each video that was removed.
I am proud that I have followers with equal levels of scientific experience who tell me directly in the comments if I have gotten something wrong. They have before, and I’m happy when they do, I now count many as friends and science media colleagues. This is the trusted and collaborative relationship that competent scientists tend to build wherever we go.
What I can not abide by is the lack of integrity of the moderators employed and supported by TikTok.
Each of us has seen conspiracy theories, false science, fake medical treatments, thriving and being promoted by the TikTok algorithm. We have reported (to no avail) rolled our eyes, maybe left a comment or two, and have moved on.
What is intolerable as a scientist is that TikTok is supporting false science while consistently removing accurate science videos. Each of the six CGVs were given on videos that clearly referenced and accurately discussed data from the FDA, CDC, and WHO. As a competent PhD professional my career depends upon my correct interpretation and discussion of scientific data on a daily basis. The idea that TikTok and it’s moderators dictate which FDA, CDC, and WHO science can and can not be presented would be laughable if it were not so dangerous.
The behavior of TikTok and it’s moderators have limited my (and many others’) ability to communicate accurate science. To continue to use TikTok as my sole platform for scientific communication would be to compromise my integrity as a scientist.
Looking forward I am excited to be branching out onto other platforms. I won’t be leaving completely. You may see me occasionally and mostly to cross promote the other places you will find me, but unless there is systemic change you will see me far less frequently.
Here is where I am excited to be posting. Also a new Podcast is in the works!
Instagram: Laughterinlight_PhD
From Bench To Bedside (podcast website)
From Bench To Bedside (Spotify)
Substack (you’re already here!)
Threads: Laughterinlight_PhD
Looking forward to seeing you all here and there. Now, back to the good stuff!
Those of us in tiktok who have followed, listened and learned will endeavour to fight the science corner & report the nonesense 🤦♀️ as best as we can. I for one have appreciated all that you have done & continue to do. Thank you 🙏🏽
Tik-Toxic has become counterproductive for learning. Excellent Instruction in a dysfunctional institution. I am glad to follow your teaching to a more legitimate platform with practically zero cognitive dissonance. AP classes are at their best when they serve motivated students. You deserve to have your valuable message properly respected and considered. Your Love of Teaching is Paramount. Bravo for setting the example of moving forward. 🙏💯🙏