[dragonwriter]

> TikTok isn't a creativity amplification network, it's a mimic network.

Replication with some source of variation (such as even just “people aren't perfect mimics”, but “some people apply some minor modicum of creativity” enhances this) plus selective pressure (such as interesting novelty getting rewarded) is sufficient for it to function as as Darwinian creativity amplification system by way of being principally a mimic network.

[orangeoxidation]

"Everything is a remix"

TikTok being a "mimic network" does not show it's not creative.

Creativity is primarily a product of creation, rather than one of originality and TikTok is, in fact, inspiring to create.

[robocat]

Recognising creativity is also creative. Art is in the eye of the beholder (not necessarily the creator).

Something can be authored that was unintentionally interesting, but amplified by the creative recognition of some weird facet. For example cat videos - the cat isn’t trying to get likes! Edit: or a security camera video where there is zero intent to create, and the art is in the recognition of the clip by everybody.

[adventured]

I suspect that out of a zillion mimic events you will get a small number of truly creative bursts, yes. I think it's very rare though and wouldn't qualify as being widespread creativity or origination. Also those bursts of new/original content coming out of initial copying may primarily come from burgeoning originators that are just being born so to speak, rather than from the mimic group. I doubt the process overall results in an increase in originators.

edit: to the repeat downvoters instantly hitting every one of my comments, those that don't like the fact that I'm pointing out that humans are 99%+ mimics, I'd encourage you to add to the discussion and dissent from what I'm saying. I'd enjoy reading that counter. Everyone isn't a butterfly just waiting to be unleashed into the next da Vinci, that's a fantasy. It makes perfect sense that the majority operate as distributors, mimics, for things that the 0.001% come up with that work effectively. It would be an enormous biological waste of energy for everyone to be so creative, the mimic and distribute what works approach is logical. Humans do it with everything, including learning / copying skills, behaviors, systems, almost anything you can name. For example, there are always a very small number of teachers (as a share of the population) distributing knowledge/skills, and most teachers are also mimics, but they're custodian mimics that use various bullhorns to (ideally) spread what works faster. Teachers are rarely originators, the knowledge is passed down a distribution chain by mimics that serve various functions along the way. That's how a lot of systems in human societies work (politics and religion all work that way).