Revolutionary Algorithms: A TikTok Manifesto

by Torey Akers

From an artist and TikTok creator, a critical look at the controversial app and its effect on cultural heritage, artificial intelligence, community organizing, and digital censorship.

In Revolutionary Algorithms, Torey Akers approaches TikTok with a deep understanding of the app, as both a prolific creator and consumer of its content. In these essays, she interrogates how the TikTok ban and the multiple genocides happening around the world are deeply intertwined; how the app can empower creators, amplify social movements, and document abuses of power. She addresses the good, bad, and sometimes uncanny parts of maneuvering and communicating in a digital space.

As a new era of social media looms, Akers makes the case for techno-progressivism, looking toward a future where TikTok continues to connect, inspire, and create space for more intersectionality, equity, and joy.

Genres: Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published January 7, 2025

Reviews

[Summer ReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this quick read. It’s always nice to delve into well written modern day writing that’s pertinent to what’s going on in society and Akers is spot on. The focus of this book is obviously not grief but I found myself most captivated by the chapter where she’s writing about AI grief bots. I recently lost my mother and sister and Akers writes, “Saying goodbye isn’t the hard part. Living beyond it is. There isn’t an app for that.” It’s important to take note on technology and how’d its advances are so important but also not always the best or authentic way to spend our time as members of modern society.
This was a good read giveaway read inspired review.

[Chase · Rating 1 out of 5]

this text has me so deeply irritated by its desperate attempts to legitimize smugly ignorant ideas through use of 5-dollar SAT words that i refuse to dignify it with an in depth review or synopsis of my reading commentary. if you'd like to know what i thought of this, see my commentary in the reading activity tab.
this book leaves me with a foul taste in my mouth and a deep, existential disappointment in society, politics, and most of all, the author.
let's stop normalizing blood libel, alright?

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy to read piece about how TikTok can be used by people for more than just dancing or doing makeup, like organizing political groups.

I must admit, I only thought of the TikTok ban more as a security issue than a fear from our government about its people.

I think this is a good read especially with the possible TikTok ban looming.

Thank you Grand Central Publishing and Net Galley for an advanced copy.

[✩ tara ✩ · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 ⭐️) This was a pretty interesting think piece on Tiktok and the general role of social media algorithms. Unfortunately, it was pretty meandering which made it harder to absorb. Some great ideas, but I wish it was a bit more streamlined.

***I received a review copy from Grand Central Publishing for free and am leaving an honest review***

[Renée Millette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been following the author on TikTok for a while, she came to my algorithm during my own period of grief after losing my mom. Always a treat to see what she has to say, and enjoyed reading it in a long-form format.

[Steffi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not smart enough for this so it went waaay over my head. Quick read though

[William Bookman III]

These are all tools used based on the intention of the user. Healthy scepticism is valuable in the quest for learning new knowledge.

[Edith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fast and loose w/ buzzy terms that didn't always seem like they were used correctly, even if the subject matter is there and begging to be given this type of treatment.