Visibility settings on social media platforms govern the accessibility of user data to others. The inability to conceal a compilation of accounts a user subscribes to on TikTok stems from choices in platform design and feature implementation. Some platforms prioritize discoverability and social interaction as core components of their functionality.
Public displays of following lists contribute to the overall network effect of a social media platform. This visibility can fuel content discovery, promote user engagement, and facilitate the formation of communities around shared interests. Historically, open connection lists have been a standard feature on many social networks, reinforcing the idea of interconnectedness among users.