If you have opened TikTok recently and thought, “Why is my FYP acting all weird?” or noticed the same video showing up several times in a single doomscroll session? Don’t worry, you’re most definitely not alone.

Ever since TikTok’s U.S. operations partnered with Oracle, users have been noticing some weird new “additions” to the platform.

The tech company has reportedly launched a local content feed that utilizes the user’s geolocation, per CBS News. However, the tracking is set to “off” by default and is only activated once the app is in use.

Despite popular belief, Oracle didn’t exactly buy TikTok entirely. Under a deal called “Project Texas,” Oracle now stores the U.S.’s TikTok data on its cloud servers and has control over certain functions of the app.

Let’s talk about the algorithm, as many users say their For You Pages feel less personal than before.

Instead of niche fandom edits or “brain-rotted” content, people’s feeds seem to be flooded with ads and videos they liked and reposted long ago.

Some creators even complained that their videos are not uploading properly, or that their views seemingly dropped tremendously overnight.

For instance, the Democratic Party’s official TikTok account claims that its views have been significantly dropping after the business proposal with Oracle.

Since Oracle’s sloppy involvement, TikTok appears to be stricter about what gets uploaded and what gets taken down.

According to the BBC, Videos about politics, activism, or controversial topics are more likely to be flagged or quietly pushed out of the algorithm.

While this may make TikTok safer, it makes the community less likely to argue, which is what most users do on the app anyway.

Still, the app isn’t doomed. Trends are still there, people are dragging larps as usual, and creators are finding ways to slip past TikTok’s grueling moderation.

So, if TikTok feels “real weird” lately, it’s not just you, my fellow addicted doomscroller.

Due to obscure business deals, and the algorithm trying to please insane K-pop stans, insecure looksmaxxing teens, and misogynistic middle-aged men, you could say TikTok is going through its “flop era.”