Speaking of Teens
#49: The Truth About TikTok; Teenagers, Data Privacy and National Security
It seems everywhere you look lately, TikTok is in the news; exposés on the algorithm and sneaky search terms, the story of another teenager dying because of a TikTok challenge, investigative reports on data privacy, and the alleged threat to national security.
TikTok’s CEO has made the rounds to defend the company; in front of Congress in March, at the TED2023 conference in Vancouver last week. Many in the federal government want to ban the app in the US. And Montana actually did that very thing just days ago. The app is already banned on federal employees’ work phones and several states have done the same.
Is all this hype about TikTok just good fodder for sensational news stories and political grandstanding? Or is there something truly nefarious about TikTok? Is it more than just an app for people to get lost in endless scroll and dream of becoming online influencers?
In this episode I’ll break down the claims being made against TikTok, examine the facts, and give you a clear picture of whether or not you can expect to see a US ban anytime soon.
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Access transcript here.
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Sources, Resources, and Mentions (no affiliate links)
TikTok CEO in front of Congress
Overview of TikTok issues
Anonymous video regarding TikTok
Bloomberg article on algorithm (16-year old who took his on life)
TikTok's Challenges Warning Page
NY Post on TikTok's algorithms
Latest Benadryl Challenge Death
NPR on Montana's TikTok ban
Politico on US TikTok Ban issue
2nd Politico on US TikTok Ban issue
CNN on TikTok search issues
CNN on Douyin
Glenn Gerstall's NYTimes article
Emily Baker-White's Forbes article
Douyin versus TikTok from a Chinese marketing perspective
You might be interested in one or more of the following FREE GUIDES:
“10 Keys to Unlock Your Teen’s Emotional Intelligence”
“The Challenging Adolescent Brain” (e-book)
“Emotional Awareness Strategies” (for parents)
“Why Doesn’t My Teen Sleep?” (e-book)
“Communication for Teen Cooperation”