I've avoided downloading TikTok due to security concerns and its ties to the People's Republic of China. Are these concerns valid? I remember reading articles that claimed it was stealing data from people's phones and spying.
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=tiktok+...
It's like if Zoom was found to be always recording audio.
The PRC has the world's most advanced and far-reaching data mining and censorship apparatus to tightly (and quite effectively) control the flow of information to its citizens. Does that sound like the type of organization you would entrust your data to?
Bytedance is beholden to the PRC, and while TikTok data may (or may not) be monitored, the Chinese version of it is subject to the same monitoring and censorship gates as any other social media app in China.
The question is, do you trust the PRC with your data?
Personally, I avoid most social media sites since I want to reduce the amount of information about me floating around in databases.
TikTok doesn’t make me feel that way, and it’s that simple. This is the same reason why a ton of people are dialing back their Instagram usage or creating “finsta” accounts - Who wants to feel insecure constantly? Same goes with Facebook.
There’s the argument “Well you’re not using those service correctly. I use FB/IG/Twitter and I’m fine. Follow these steps on how to avoid toxicity on your FB feed…” (articles like this used to be posted to HN constantly).
But the thing is… why should we have to do that? TikTok shows me content that makes me smile BY DEFAULT. I am not being milked for engagement using my fight or flight response like Meta’s lolcow.
If other apps weren’t so toxic (by design), then people wouldn’t be nervous when posting on IG, or avoiding Facebook because of the cancer comment sections and ranking systems/algorithms designed to make you angry.
To me, TikTok just found the proper levers to hit psychologically to keep people’s attention.
I jokingly think, all the creators of each social media app are in a makeshift lab, and one say “wait… if we make them happy, they stay longer!” Then another one goes “Drats! I thought jealously and conflict was the key!”
I predict in the next 5 years we’ll be banning/have a campaign against people under 18 (or maybe 16) from even using these apps, and even go so far as to say anyone spending more than X time on them per day/week, should seek help. (With X being a relatively small number compared to the norm)
Just remember, not too long ago we thought: Cigarettes are a great way to lose weight! Even my doctor recommends them.