The algorithm TikTok uses to serve up engaging videos has been the source of much speculation. Now an investigation by The Wall Street Journal reveals how the technology behind the fastest-growing social-media platform works. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the findings and what they mean for users.
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How Does TikTok's Algorithm Know You So Well?

Tech News Briefing is your guide to what people in tech are talking about. Every weekday, we’ll bring you breaking tech news and scoops from the pros at the Wall Street Journal, insight into new innovations and policy debates, tips from our personal tech team, and exclusive interviews with movers and shakers in the industry. Hosted by Zoe Thomas

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Climate change is making products like chocolate and coffee more expensive, even as demand grows. WSJ technology columnist Christopher Mims tells host Alex Ossola how companies are looking to recreate them in the lab using biotechnology. Plus, TikTok is courting advertisers, in spite of the platform’s looming ban or sale. WSJ reporter Katie Deighton talks about what continues to make TikTok appealing for advertisers. 



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How Biotech Is Creating Synthetic Alternatives to Coffee

Plus: Senator Elizabeth Warren calls for the Pentagon to look into Russian troops’ use of Starlink. And Synopsys plans to sell its Software Integrity Group. Alex Ossola hosts.

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TNB Tech Minute: SEC Prepares to Sue Robinhood’s Crypto Unit

Boeing’s Starliner is set to take NASA astronauts to the International Space Station this week. It’s the spacecraft’s first crewed mission, and a major test for Boeing’s much-delayed project. WSJ reporter Micah Maidenberg tells host Alex Ossola what it took to get here. Plus, in an effort to increase her ability to focus, WSJ tech reporter Katherine Bindley gave up apps like Instagram and dating apps, and even TV. She talks about how these habits affected her. 



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The Boeing Starliner’s Big Space Test

In October 2021, Facebook announced it was changing its name to Meta. For a company that had built its business on social media, it was a gamble to seemingly pivot to a future version of the internet that didn’t yet exist and wasn’t well understood. On this first episode of our special series on the metaverse, host Alex Ossola takes you back to the vision that CEO Mark Zuckerberg laid out for the metaverse, what was going on at the company at the time of the name change and how people reacted both inside and outside the company.

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From Facebook to Meta: Zuckerberg's Big Bet—The Beginning

Plus: Apple stock rallies the day after the company reported earnings. And shares of Coinbase fall. Alex Ossola hosts.

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How Does TikTok's Algorithm Know You So Well?

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