Is TikTok Your Best Friend Or A Trojan Horse?

I love TikTok! Wait, I’m terrified of TikTok!! I can’t decide whether it is the coolest new social media platform or an existential threat to democracy? I use TikTok regularly for inspiration, for a search engine, and even for for laughs. It is fun, engaging, and a treasure trove of useful information delivered in short form and personalized to the interest of the user. This is a result of the powerful algorithm developed by TikTok that always seems to be serving things up to you that are interesting, relevant, useful or a combination of all.

The problem is that the app is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, who has been accused of spreading Chinese propaganda, suppressing content critical of the Chinese government, and censoring topics deemed sensitive by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). And ByteDance controls the content that is being served up to hundreds of millions of Amercans addicted to their screens which means they are increasingly glued to the TikTok app and ByteDance knows every users personal information and preferences because they are stored on TikTok’s servers. ByteDance claims this information will never be shared but if the Chinese government demands it, ByteDance will be required to comply. For this reason TikTok may be the ultimate Trojan Horse sucking these Americans into submission by serving them up personalized addictive content and manipulating their minds. This visual could serve as a backdrop for a George Orwell novel.

In its defense, TikTok has been a beneficial platform for content creators to showcase their talents and reach a wider audience. With the use of features like hashtags and challenges, it has become easier for creators to gain recognition and build a following on the app. TikTok’s algorithm works in a way that allows content to be discovered by users who may not necessarily follow the creator, which has helped to expose creators to new audiences.

Moreover, TikTok’s user-friendly video editing tools make it easier for creators to produce high-quality content without the need for expensive equipment or software. The platform also encourages creativity and experimentation, which has led to the development of new video formats and trends. American content creator often known as “influencers” shudder at the thought of losing TikTok as their incomes from brand deals have shifted more to the platform as its user base and usage has exploded.

While social media platforms, TikTok included, have certainly brought about many positive changes in the world, there is growing concern that they are being used to indoctrinate people subversively. This means that individuals or groups can use them to manipulate others into adopting their beliefs, without the targets even realizing it. This is of particular concern with TikTok because of its ownership and history.

Several studies have explored the potential of social media platforms to be used for subversive indoctrination. In one such study, researchers examined the role of social media in the rise of extremist groups. The study found that social media platforms allowed extremist groups to disseminate their messages more easily and reach a wider audience. Additionally, these platforms allowed these groups to connect with like-minded individuals and form supportive communities, which further reinforced their beliefs.

There have also been concerns about the use of social media platforms to spread conspiracy theories. One study found that individuals who frequently use social media are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. Furthermore, these individuals are more likely to spread these theories to others, which can result in the rapid spread of misinformation.

In addition to these studies, there have been numerous examples of social media being used for subversive indoctrination in real life. For example, during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, it was found that Russian operatives used social media platforms to spread misinformation and sow discord among voters. These efforts were successful in influencing public opinion and may have even affected the outcome of the election.

The most obvious way that social media platforms can be used for subversive indoctrination is through the use of propaganda, a form of communication designed to influence the beliefs and actions of individuals. On social media platforms, propaganda can be disseminated quickly and easily, and it can be targeted to specific individuals or groups.

Another way social media platforms can be used for subversive indoctrination is through the use of manipulation techniques. For example, individuals can be targeted with personalized ads and messages that are designed to appeal to their emotions and reinforce their existing beliefs. Over time, these messages can lead individuals to adopt increasingly extreme beliefs and behaviors.

One of the main concerns surrounding TikTok is its algorithm, which is designed to show users content that they are likely to engage with. This algorithm has been criticized for promoting videos that spread Chinese propaganda, such as videos that promote China’s Belt and Road Initiative or videos that downplay human rights abuses in Xinjiang. ,

Furthermore,there have been reports of TikTok suppressing content critical of the Chinese government. In 2019, leaked documents revealed that TikTok had instructed moderators to censor videos that mentioned Tiananmen Square or Tibetan independence. This censorship extends beyond China, with reports of TikTok removing content critical of the CCP in countries such as the United States and Australia.TikTok’s use as a propaganda tool by the Chinese government is not without precedent. In recent years, China has increasingly used social media to spread its message and influence public opinion abroad. A study by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute found that Chinese diplomats and embassies had created Twitter accounts that spread disinformation and propaganda. The report also found that China had used social media to influence public opinion on issues such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Xinjiang.

In forming a well reasoned opinion here, it is important to weigh many factors weight the nature of the identified risk which in this case involves TikTok’s potential use as a propaganda tool by the Chinese government. While this is a serious concern, banning TikTok would not solve the problem of social media as a whole being used in a subversive way as it is happening on all other social platforms. My view is that we should stop short of banning TikTok but require that all data and information be stored securely in the USA without the possibility of it being released or shared with the Chinese government. Obviously, the devil is in the details but this should be our first objective.

However, the real culprit is the entire social media industry and it should be completely overhauled and held to strict standards designed to wipe out the type of subversive activities that have been historically reported. It will require a major undertaking and overhaul but the youth of today are consuming all their content and learning everything from these platforms. Just look around you, nearly all of America’s youth has its head down looking at their phone. Social media is the education system of the future. Let’s make sure the information that is being provide helps shape the values we want to preserve.