Controversy Erupts Over AI Learning Tool 'Doubao' Built-in 'Related Videos' Recommendation Feature
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According to Phoenix Network Technology, ByteDance's AI product 'Doubao' has recently sparked widespread controversy due to its built-in 'related videos' recommendation feature. Many parents reported that the feature automatically attaches Douyin short video links when users ask questions and cannot be turned off, leading to 'AI learning' scenarios being invaded by entertainment content. This exposes users, especially teenagers, to the potential risk of shifting from tool usage to entertainment.
The core of the controversy lies in the disconnect between product positioning and user experience. Some parents sharply pointed out: 'It's like having Douyin inside Doubao.' They are accustomed to restricting their children's screen time by controlling short video apps but overlooked similar entry points that might exist in AI learning tools. This reveals a new blind spot in user management and poses new ethical challenges for AI product developers.
It is understood that the feature is not only enabled by default but also reverts to the default push state the next day after users attempt to turn it off with the command 'close video.' Users described this as 'useless, as it keeps pushing.' Some parents further reported that Doubao's settings previously provided a clear toggle option for this feature, but it was quietly removed recently. This has stripped users of their autonomy and exacerbated negative sentiments.
From a product strategy perspective, integrating short video content into AI applications may aim to increase user engagement or achieve cross-platform traffic. However, this approach clearly sacrifices the purity of the tool and has sparked discussions about user privacy, content control, and minor protection. While pursuing commercial growth, balancing user needs with product ethics is a critical issue that all AI product developers must carefully consider.