Introduction
The possible dangers concealed by the TikTok application, which seems harmless at first glance, have recently come up for discussion. In “The TikTok Conundrum: Who Controls Our Attention?” New York Times columnist Ezra Klein raises concerns about the app’s extensive influence on today’s kids and its data privacy policies (1).
In my initial reaction to the article, I was surprised to learn that a Chinese company owns TikTok. The mention of TikTok’s algorithmic manipulation problem has piqued my interest. By understanding Klein’s claims, one can peer into the complex issues surrounding TikTok. Through a combination of keen observations, facts, and logic, Klein exposes the covert risks of TikTok and challenges readers to consider the consequences of this app’s popularity.
Summary
The article belongs to the general discussion on who controls significant social media sites. Ezra Klein discusses TikTok’s ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance (1). Platforms, sometimes known as “town squares” or “infrastructures,” play a significant role in contemporary society (Klein 1).
Klein discusses the “data espionage problem” with TikTok, where the app’s data collection capabilities might give foreign entities access to confidential information (2). As social media platform regulation is in the public interest, the article recommends that the Biden administration take appropriate action to address these issues.
Analysis
The article aims to argue that because the Chinese government might manipulate TikTok, it poses serious concerns for national security. The general public, especially those who use TikTok, is the target audience for this piece. The article falls under the opinion piece genre, taking a critical attitude toward TikTok and contending that its algorithm creates issues.
Similarly, the article’s critical tone highlights the threats that TikTok’s links to China may present. An instance of this can be seen when the author cites “TikTok’s content moderation guidelines,” which “clamped down on videos and topics at the Chinese government’s behest” (Klein 2). Thus, the author supports his claims using factual data and rhetorical questions. The article uses several tools to achieve its goal.
Firstly, it uses hypothetical scenarios to raise questions about TikTok’s ownership. An example is when the author asks the reader to “imagine a world in which the United States has a contested presidential election. If one candidate was friendlier to Chinese interests, might the Chinese Communist Party insist that ByteDance nudge content favoring that candidate?” (Klein 2). Secondly, the author appeals to national security objectives by highlighting the possibility that foreign parties could use the platform. Thirdly, the article provides evidence for its accusations, citing industry officials.
Response
The study highlights TikTok’s possible weaknesses in terms of data espionage and makes a strong case for its regulation. The author successfully proposes the governance of social media platforms through compelling arguments and examples. A possible counterargument would claim that governmental control might stifle free speech or that the same dangers also exist on other social media platforms.
When governments have excessive control over speech regulation, there is a risk of over-censorship and suppression of dissenting voices (Susskind). In addition, I have personal concerns about TikTok’s addictive nature, which played a key role in its rise to prominence but is not mentioned in the article. However, despite the minor faults, the piece effectively provokes critical thought on social media regulation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Klein critically examines TikTok, which makes the audience to think on the effects of its pervasive presence by stressing its impact on data privacy. Klein’s article challenges readers to think about TikTok’s potential long-term implications on society. In general, it is important to be aware of the risks that apps like TikTok may pose and to have more conversations about data privacy.
Works Cited
Klein, Ezra. “TikTok May Be More Dangerous Than It Looks.” New York Times, 2022, p. 6(L). Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints. Web.
Susskind, Jamie. “We Can Regulate Social Media Without Censorship. Here’s How.” Time, 2022. Web.