Is TikTok’s Algorithm Leading us into Spiritual Psychosis?

Lucky Girl Syndrome to TarotTok.

On the evening of January 3rd, 2024, I was scrolling my TikTok FYP when I was served a video that I felt was a sign.

The video, posted by an anonymous account, was a quick clip of a cityscape with the text “Everything will work out in the end. Interact 3x for good luck.” It was 24 hours after one of the hardest and most confusing days of my life, and in that moment, I felt like I could use some good luck.

Though I don’t consider myself someone who believes in religion, manifestation, or new age spirituality, I liked and favourited the video. Then I opened my camera and posted a private video using the sound. Interacting 3 times. 

Despite my skepticism, interacting with this TikTok actually did make me feel a little better. It gave me a very small sense of control– like I was putting some of my stress back on the universe– at a very turbulent time in my life.

@tamkaur_the amount of blessings I’ve received since doing this is CRAZY 😭💗🙏🏽✨ #luckygirlsyndrome #manifestation #luckygirl #lawofassumption #affirmations #dreamlife

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But interacting with this video didn’t just make me feel good. It also indicated to my TikTok algorithm that I was interested in this content.

For the next few weeks, my FYP was consumed by manifestation videos. And as I continued to privately interact with these videos (in the very small hope that they might magically bring me good luck), my algorithm sent me deeper down a rabbit hole— introducing me to astrology TikTok, tarot card TikTok, and ultimately, spirit guide TikTok.

I was in a vulnerable place mentally and emotionally and my algorithm reaffirmed that for me. Between January and February, I posted over 50 private manifestation videos. Nearly one a day for two months.

Now, as the dust has settled and I’ve emerged from this stressful period, it’s hard not to look back at those videos from just a couple of short months ago and think, “Are things working out for me…because I interacted 3x?”

Listen to the full deep dive on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube below.