Summary
Despite previously attempting to ban TikTok over national security concerns, Donald Trump now champions the platform, which went offline in the U.S. Sunday under a controversial ban upheld by the Supreme Court.
TikTok is good for Trump because it is a maelstrom of disinformation so massive that even Elon Musk-controlled Twitter cannot compete.
The app’s algorithm spreads disinformation and emotionally manipulative content, which boosts Trump’s messaging.
Critics warn that TikTok fosters disconnection, exploiting empathy to exhaust users and distract them from meaningful real-world action.
I always had a low opinion of the typical user’s general awareness of security and privacy concerns as I watched the Eternal September unfold (and tried to stay abreast of things and educate myself all the while), but I think it’s getting worse over time.
People clamoring to use things like FB was evidence of that, but now it’s on to…TikTok. If people don’t think that’s a concern, I think they are either actively deluding themselves or just completely oblivious.