The Dopamine Slot Machine
The Dopamine Slot Machine
Andrew Wilmot
How Addictive is TikTok Really? Applying the BrainSafe Framework
28 minutes Posted May 6, 2026 at 11:17 am.
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This episode uses the BrainSafe framework to break down how TikTok's design drives engagement, focusing on its opaque algorithm, highly personalised "slot machine"-style content feed, lack of natural stopping points, and subtle friction that makes disengaging harder than starting. It argues that while social features play a role, the platform's core pull is algorithmic, continuously learning what keeps users hooked and delivering it with increasing precision—particularly impacting younger users.