TikTok as information space: A scoping review of information behavior on TikTok

Heather L. O'Brien · Nilou Davoudi

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Library Science and Information Literacy Information Retrieval and Search Behavior Web and Library Services

Abstract

TikTok, one of the fastest growing social networking apps globally, has generated a lot of scholarly and media attention in recent years. To surface the extent to which information behavior (IB) has been investigated on TikTok, a scoping review of 49 journal and conference papers was conducted to examine characteristics of the literature and coverage of IB phenomena. Papers related to TikTok and IB increased between 2020 and 2024, but publications in LIS venues were limited. The majority of authors were United States based, which may have implications for research generalizability. The surveyed papers featured a variety of methodologies, namely user interviews and surveys, and content analysis of videos. Use of LIS models, theories, and concepts was limited; while this reflects the multidisciplinary nature of TikTok research, it also meant that aspects of IB, such as re-finding, avoidance, and discovery, were underexplored and undertheorized. TikTok's algorithmic recommendation system and design features influenced information seeking and retrieval, discovery, evaluation, and sharing on the platform, but more empirical studies are needed to understand TikTok's role as an information space and its integration in the broader information behavior ecosystem. • This scoping review examined 49 information behavior-related papers featuring TikTok. • Scholarly interest in information aspects of TikTok increased from 2020 to 2024. • Papers featured multiple conceptual approaches; LIS specific frameworks were lacking. • Algorithmic engagement is shaping information seeking, discovery, sharing and evaluation. • Re -finding and avoidance information behaviors emerged as areas for future research.

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2005Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework 2010Scoping studies: advancing the methodology 2021The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews 2009A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies 2016The algorithmic imaginary: exploring the ordinary affects of Facebook algorithms 2024Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 1998Sense‐making theory and practice: an overview of user interests in knowledge seeking and use 2010Information Avoidance: Who, What, When, and Why

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