1. EU regulators are targeting TikTok for “addictive design” while other giants are still under‑the‑radar
“How is that any different to Facebook?” – RobotToaster
“Facebook are also under investigation, it just hasn’t concluded yet.” – pjc50
“The Commission is concerned that the systems of both Facebook and Instagram… may stimulate behavioural addictions in children.” – clydethefrog
2. The core problem is the algorithmic recommendation engine that keeps users scrolling endlessly
“The core of the addictiveness comes from the ‘recommender system’.” – concats
“Infinite scroll, auto‑play features and recommendation algorithm amount to an ‘addictive design’.” – RobotToaster
“The algorithm is designed to exploit users.” – dfxm12
3. Users compare TikTok’s design to that of other platforms and question why it is singled out
“It’s almost indistinguishable from TikTok now.” – StilesCrisis
“It’s the same as Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, etc.” – Aerbil313
“Why single out TikTok? It’s the same pattern on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, etc.” – crazygringo
4. The debate over regulation versus personal responsibility (the “nanny‑state” argument)
“We should not be rewarding companies that make money by exploiting users.” – wackget
“If we’re worried about addictive patterns, those exist everywhere—streaming, gaming, email notifications.” – reductive
“It’s a question of where to draw the line between protecting people from manipulative design and respecting their ability to make their own choices.” – Juliate
These four themes capture the bulk of the discussion: regulatory focus, the mechanics of addiction, platform comparisons, and the broader policy debate.