Where did the concern that ByteDance is associated with the Chinese government come from? Are they? If a ban took place, does that prevent Americans from having any app that is made by a Chinese company? Has China done anything to infer they’ve collected TikTok data to use in some way? I obviously have lots of questions. My TikTok algorithm shows book recommendations and funny videos. What could possibly be the benefit of collecting data on that? What would stop China from collecting data on any other social media platform such as Instagram? Or spreading propaganda via accounts on other social media platforms.
If you’re wondering more about why American officials on both sides of the aisle are concerned, I recommend watching this segment from 60 Minutes from 2023: https://youtu.be/ikh3ncJZPTU?si=qq6WeJKal7RWaKke
I DON'T use TikTok but my Gen Z sons do (24/27)...for entertainment...nothing else tho. My younger son said GOOD when I asked him if he knew it might be gone soon. He says it's a time suck that he will be happy to not have available! I'm happy to see it go as well. From what my boys show me, it's either just goofy videos or misinformation (or both) and very little constructive content. We need to do better.
So is it better than someone like Elon Musk or Amazon (Bezos) to buy the app? To me that seems just as dangerous. The alternative is not another app. The alternative from a national security standpoint is somehow making it illegal or disadvantageous to make money by influencers and companies on the app itself perhaps. I know that’s far fetched and not feasible. These social apps are equivalent to cigarettes when they were everywhere in our culture. No one ever thought they would go away and while they haven’t completely they are a lot less prevalent bc of the education and laws that target the product. Social media apps need more laws to protect the users.
I completely agree with Chief Justice Roberts' statement on this issue. And, while there are other Chinese owned apps that could replace TikTok...it's important that this case be heard and decided in order to establish precedent. Removing TikTok from ByteDance (Chinese control), and seamlessly allowing American ownership would be the best case scenario. However, I find it hard to believe that American tech companies aren't ready to launch their own versions at the outset of a TikTok "ban" in the event that ByteDance refuses to facilitate a sale.
I appreciated this straightforward facts-based article until the very last sentence, where it became very aware that the author doesn't understand or like TikTok, and left the audience with his opinion that it's just for "dance videos." A lot of the comments below mention that Tiktok is damaging to mental health, but there's nothing that makes it worse or better than any other social network out there when it comes to how people engage. In many ways, TikTok was a much kinder and more open place for people -- while I never actively posted on the app and just consumed content, I often saw content creators mention how welcoming and supportive their comment sections were there, whereas they'd be bullied for posting the exact same video to Instagram. Sharon is lucky to have a supportive group of Governerds, and for much of TikTok that's the same kind of community that existed within its smaller corners of the algorithm. So I just encourage those who have not had firsthand experience with TikTok to not make broadly sweeping opinion-based statements, and allow people who are losing their forum for community to mourn it however they choose.
There are other similar apps- also owned by China- that are not included in this case. How would those be affected? I think Chinas influence in America is frightening however I am more concerned about the sheer amount of real estate China and Chinese foreign nationals own.
I’m not sure if anyone would know this but how would the ban look? For example, if someone from were visiting from outside the US, can they access Tik Tok while they are here? Just curious.
Isn’t there an American developer that can make something similar? Not that I want them too. (I think TikTok has been harmful for mental health). Why is the Biden administration now trying to block the law from going in to effect on Sunday?
I absolutely agree. I feel for those who have built their livelihoods on it, but also... GO OUTSIDE, Y'ALL. I had TikTok for a week and it was awful for my mental health.
I deactivated my last remaining social account a few weeks ago- you’ve reaffirmed I made the right decision! I am excited to get to the same point you are at now.
Where did the concern that ByteDance is associated with the Chinese government come from? Are they? If a ban took place, does that prevent Americans from having any app that is made by a Chinese company? Has China done anything to infer they’ve collected TikTok data to use in some way? I obviously have lots of questions. My TikTok algorithm shows book recommendations and funny videos. What could possibly be the benefit of collecting data on that? What would stop China from collecting data on any other social media platform such as Instagram? Or spreading propaganda via accounts on other social media platforms.
Really good article that answers many of your questions: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2024/06/18/who-owns-tiktok-bytedance/73691106007/
If you’re wondering more about why American officials on both sides of the aisle are concerned, I recommend watching this segment from 60 Minutes from 2023: https://youtu.be/ikh3ncJZPTU?si=qq6WeJKal7RWaKke
These were very helpful! Thank you for sharing.
I DON'T use TikTok but my Gen Z sons do (24/27)...for entertainment...nothing else tho. My younger son said GOOD when I asked him if he knew it might be gone soon. He says it's a time suck that he will be happy to not have available! I'm happy to see it go as well. From what my boys show me, it's either just goofy videos or misinformation (or both) and very little constructive content. We need to do better.
So is it better than someone like Elon Musk or Amazon (Bezos) to buy the app? To me that seems just as dangerous. The alternative is not another app. The alternative from a national security standpoint is somehow making it illegal or disadvantageous to make money by influencers and companies on the app itself perhaps. I know that’s far fetched and not feasible. These social apps are equivalent to cigarettes when they were everywhere in our culture. No one ever thought they would go away and while they haven’t completely they are a lot less prevalent bc of the education and laws that target the product. Social media apps need more laws to protect the users.
I completely agree with Chief Justice Roberts' statement on this issue. And, while there are other Chinese owned apps that could replace TikTok...it's important that this case be heard and decided in order to establish precedent. Removing TikTok from ByteDance (Chinese control), and seamlessly allowing American ownership would be the best case scenario. However, I find it hard to believe that American tech companies aren't ready to launch their own versions at the outset of a TikTok "ban" in the event that ByteDance refuses to facilitate a sale.
I appreciated this straightforward facts-based article until the very last sentence, where it became very aware that the author doesn't understand or like TikTok, and left the audience with his opinion that it's just for "dance videos." A lot of the comments below mention that Tiktok is damaging to mental health, but there's nothing that makes it worse or better than any other social network out there when it comes to how people engage. In many ways, TikTok was a much kinder and more open place for people -- while I never actively posted on the app and just consumed content, I often saw content creators mention how welcoming and supportive their comment sections were there, whereas they'd be bullied for posting the exact same video to Instagram. Sharon is lucky to have a supportive group of Governerds, and for much of TikTok that's the same kind of community that existed within its smaller corners of the algorithm. So I just encourage those who have not had firsthand experience with TikTok to not make broadly sweeping opinion-based statements, and allow people who are losing their forum for community to mourn it however they choose.
There are other similar apps- also owned by China- that are not included in this case. How would those be affected? I think Chinas influence in America is frightening however I am more concerned about the sheer amount of real estate China and Chinese foreign nationals own.
I’m not sure if anyone would know this but how would the ban look? For example, if someone from were visiting from outside the US, can they access Tik Tok while they are here? Just curious.
Isn’t there an American developer that can make something similar? Not that I want them too. (I think TikTok has been harmful for mental health). Why is the Biden administration now trying to block the law from going in to effect on Sunday?
So glad to have you "in the room", Sharon! Reporting we can trust. Thank you.
I absolutely agree. I feel for those who have built their livelihoods on it, but also... GO OUTSIDE, Y'ALL. I had TikTok for a week and it was awful for my mental health.
I deactivated my last remaining social account a few weeks ago- you’ve reaffirmed I made the right decision! I am excited to get to the same point you are at now.
I’ll sit on the unpopular bus with you and agree. My teens aren’t even interested in joining TikTok and for that, I am glad!