As you guys probably know, TikTok, like many social media platforms, has faced scrutiny over privacy and security concerns.
These concerns have led various organizations and countries to take measures such as banning the app on government devices or considering broader bans due to security risks.
However, skepticism and scrutiny continue, influencing how users and governments view and regulate the platform.
Now, the US government has given its parent company two options: sell it to an approved buyer or see it banned.
I personally don’t use TikTok, I don’t have an account & never planned on using it, so I don’t really have any skin in the game. However, I’m not sure how I feel about such strong government interference regarding an app.
What do you guys think? I look forward to a productive discussion.
Luckily I also don’t use it.
The interference is about China having more “control” in the western world. And off course… that cannot happen… 
But nowadays governments are interfering with more than just that. And that is also one thing that I don` t like.
Facebook, Instagram, Signal, Telegram, Discord, Reddit, YouTube and Twitter are similarly problematic. For example, Facebook has been proven a bad actor again and again (like with the Cambridge Analytica affair).
I very much doubt Signal.
Signal is a very privacy/secure messaging system from Switzerland. One of the most secure messaging apps in the world.
I’m not happy that they’re like “you’ve got to use our servers and you’ve got to use our clients”. I like FOSS platforms like OMEMO 
No problems. 
Never heard off it to be honest, but it sounds interesting though! 
Someone recommended Jami which does not rely on a centralised server. I’ve installed the app but have not yet looked into how to use it.
Looks interesting and good, thank you
Since this is a discussion, I am at the point I’m just sick of social media & advertisements. I’ve even taken strides to unfollow any account that isn’t benefiting me in some sort of way. I follow inspiring people and companies, some who make a difference, others who have beautiful photography. I unfollowed a lot of those influencers who like to sell their LTK, Amazon Storefronts & use their accounts to make money. And still, even though I use Instagram to scroll through more positive, enjoyable posts, I don’t love having social media. I’m tired of every other post being an ad. I heard Pinterest has become worse. I guess I only really have IG because I follow some artists who make beautiful artworks and ceramics. Small companies. Overall though, I try to spend less time on any social media…don’t use X, don’t really use Facebook, don’t use Pinterest much either…I’m just completely off those applications. It’s a huge time waster. I use Reddit and enjoy it, but I’m also learning and offering advice, so I consider that more socialization than anything else.
I know this post is about TikTok, just figured I’d begin with what social media I do use. I use YouTube with ad-blocking because I don’t really want to support people, as heartless as it is. I use it like the old days when people couldn’t really make money off of it. I never touched TikTok until recently. I used to only download it because I would hear about some TikTok person who died or got into legal trouble and had so many followers, I was curious who this person was. Otherwise, I really wouldn’t use it (especially since all social media interchanges different platforms- meaning you can find something from TikTok on Facebook, Instagram, X, etc & vice versa). Then, during the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard legal drama, it was interesting to see videos on body language experts, legal department and so forth making videos in regards to it. It kind of opened up my eyes that TikTok had more to offer than influencers, dancing, reacting to stupid stuff. I started seeing TikTok videos that were helpful, or at least appeared to be. Like, how to talk more confidently (just an example of something “good”). Still, to this day though, I don’t really use TikTok at all. I was just surprised to see that side of it,
Anyway, if for whatever reason TikTok closes for good due to our government, I feel like it’s not really a loss in my book. Another app came and left. Reminds me of Vine, except not run by China. I think the only people who will be really affected would be the younger generations who grew up with it. Personally, I think anyone who gained fame from TikTok is undeserving and a laughing joke because they’re as talentless as the Kardashians, but that’s just my opinion (it’s okay if you disagree with me). If TikTok ceases to exist, I say, good riddance. It contributed close to nothing to society, very very little. It actually got more people in trouble probably.
@muxbree
Thank you for sharing your thoughts so openly. It’s clear you’ve really reflected on the impact of social media in your life, and I can definitely relate to that feeling of being overwhelmed by ads and the constant commercial side of platforms like FB & Instagram. It’s refreshing to hear how you’ve taken control by curating your feed with inspiring and creative content, it seems like a mindful approach to stay connected while avoiding some of the negative aspects. We actually wrote an article about this on our blog- I think you would enjoy it.
In the end, it is all about balance.
I hear you on TikTok too. While there’s some valuable content hidden in there, like educational videos and expert insights, it’s easy to get lost in the overwhelming amount of less meaningful content. I also agree that if TikTok were to disappear, it wouldn’t be a huge loss for many of us. Personally, I don’t use TikTok & I don’t feel like there is anything missing in my life.
And you’re completely right, just like Vine, another platform will likely rise to take its place, and for some people, life will go on unchanged. LOL
It’s interesting how we all use social media differently. For example, you see YouTube as more of an old-school content platform, which makes total sense, especially with ad-blocking. It’s amazing how even platforms that have been around for a while can shift in purpose over time.
I also respect your perspective on the TikTok influencers, there’s definitely a big divide between people who view them as entertainers or trendsetters and those who see the content as lacking substance. It’s okay to feel the way you do, especially since everyone’s experience with these platforms is so personal. At the end of the day, I think we all have the power to decide which spaces and content bring value into our lives and which ones don’t.
Thanks again for sharing your insights! It’s refreshing to hear from someone who’s actively rethinking their relationship with social media!
Check out the article & let me know what you think.
Chinese perfected algorhytm to track your desires, even more then You Tube
They did understood, like with Instagram, new gen kids are only about video. Text and audio only are boring to them.
I dislike not my info being sold to Communist party of PRC - better then to Google and Amazon and MS >:D
but addictability, kids doing weird challenges etc,
Rise of Tik Tok tells it best
should it be censored? No more then fb Instagram, as similar or You Tube shorts.
I was once in Tunisia before Arab spring. First I was amazed gouverment censored You Tube and Facebook from computers, then I started enjoying it,
I am for one in all solution, like OneCent WeChat in China, that is free and do a lot (even spies a lot) then to tons of paids, spyware apps in capitalism.
Less choices is more freedom.
It’s an interesting take on how TikTok executives avoid letting their own kids use the platform. It reminds me of the growing awareness around the impact of excessive screen time on young minds and how even those behind the scenes are taking steps to shield their children. This raises the question: if tech creators are cautious about their own products, should users be more skeptical too?
Especially when it comes to apps designed to capture attention and feed into that dopamine loop.
Do you guys think there’s a larger issue here with how platforms like TikTok are shaping online behavior, not just for kids but for adults as well? Could mindful tech use be the solution, or is there something deeper we need to address in the way these platforms are designed? I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts on whether the responsibility lies more with the users, the tech companies, or a mix of both.
50 minutes, but well explained
