We’re all guilty of the curse of knowledge from time to time, especially on TikTok. But here’s the thing: this bias can make your TikTok content too complex or confusing, limiting your content’s audience.

Let’s see how this bias works and why keeping it in check is essential.

What is Knowledge Bias?

Knowledge bias, or the Curse of Knowledge, happens when we forget what it’s like to not know something. Once we’ve learned something, whether it’s a skill, a fact, or an experience, we often underestimate how unfamiliar that info might be for others.

Psychologists have researched this phenomenon and found that when people explain a topic they’re experts in, they often simplify it too little for their audience, thinking it’s common sense.

In fact, one study from Cognitive Science showed that experts tend to overestimate the knowledge of others by as much as 50%! 😳

How Does Knowledge Bias or The Curse of Knowledge Affect TikTok Creators?

TikTok’s fast-paced, snackable content format makes knowledge bias even more dangerous. With just seconds to grab someone’s attention, creators can’t afford to assume their audience is already on their level.

Your viewers are likely coming to your content without the background you have.

Think about it: When someone’s scrolling through TikTok, they’re probably not in “deep learning mode”. They’re on a break, looking for quick entertainment or a snippet of knowledge. This is where the tendency to overlook knowledge bias can trip you up as a creator.

If your content is too complex or assumes too much, it risks alienating your audience, who will simply move on to something easier to grasp.

How to Avoid the Curse of Knowledge on TikTok

Here’s the good news: with a few simple shifts in your content strategy, you can make your TikTok content more digestible, engaging, and relatable for everyone – no matter their knowledge level! Here’s how:

1. Explain Like They’re a Beginner 🧑‍🎓

Always assume your audience knows little to nothing about your topic (because that’ll be true of about 95% of them!). Imagine you’re explaining it to a complete beginner or someone who’s never heard of the concept. Simplify without patronising, using everyday language and examples they can connect with.

2. Break it Down 🛠️

People come to TikTok for bite-sized content, so feed it to them in chunks! If you’re tackling a more complex idea, divide it into separate videos or parts. This way, you guide your audience step by step, without overwhelming them.

3. Use Analogies and Examples 🧠

Analogies are magic when it comes to explaining complicated things! Find real-life scenarios or pop culture references your viewers can relate to. Remember that what seems obvious to you might not be for them, so give them something familiar to latch onto.

4. Engage Your Audience 💬

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or encourage your viewers to ask for clarification in the comments. This not only builds a sense of community but also lets you gauge where people might be getting stuck or confused, so you can adjust and change future content.

5. Test, Learn, Repeat 🔁

TikTok is all about trial and error. If a video isn’t landing the way you’d hoped, check the comments or audience interaction. Were you maybe assuming too much prior knowledge – have you fallen prey to the curse of knowledge on TikTok? Pay attention to where you might need to simplify and adjust as needed.

Research-Backed Benefits of Simplifying Content

Creating content with the audience’s knowledge level in mind doesn’t just help them understand, it actually helps them engage better.

Research shows that clear, simplified communication leads to higher engagement rates and retention of information. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students were more likely to retain information from explanations that felt “easy to follow”, versus explanations that were technically more accurate but hard to digest.

On TikTok, where we’re operating in micro-moments of attention, this is especially important. When you simplify your content, you make it more accessible for everyone, ensuring that a wider audience can grasp and enjoy it, and keep coming back for more. 💡