Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Pisces

(5,599 posts)
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 01:44 PM Mar 19

Democrats are losing the youth with the Tik Tok vote. It sounds crazy but this generation is addicted

To Tik Tok and they don’t understand why we would ban it instead of focusing on other matters that seem more important . Why are we allowing Republicans to lock us into a losing situation right before the election. I know it’s anecdotal but I have heard several young voters express their anger and disgust on the ban vs working on other things. This seems like we are shooting ourselves in the foot.

148 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Democrats are losing the youth with the Tik Tok vote. It sounds crazy but this generation is addicted (Original Post) Pisces Mar 19 OP
It is a loser for sure. MOMFUDSKI Mar 19 #1
It's not just young people. LuvLoogie Mar 19 #2
And yet limbicnuminousity Mar 19 #38
Democrats are not............................ Lovie777 Mar 19 #3
I go back and forth on this issue. Elessar Zappa Mar 19 #4
Instead of China.... TheRealNorth Mar 19 #16
yeah this is my concern........ Takket Mar 19 #93
China doesn't control Tik Tok or it's data Voltaire2 Mar 19 #58
Nah TheProle Mar 19 #78
China will be spying anyway. Ham-handed move. PufPuf23 Mar 19 #125
My second post to add LuvLoogie Mar 19 #5
Defund the police was a disaster TexasDem69 Mar 19 #113
I love TikTok. I admit it. I'm 69 years old. flying_wahini Mar 19 #6
Why won't it hurt the Republicans? Ptah Mar 19 #7
Because the majority of younger voters Bettie Mar 19 #15
That might be true. I'm hoping it dies in the senate. Ptah Mar 19 #19
Me too Bettie Mar 19 #112
Biden would be signing it therefore he will get the blame as will all Democrats. This is very basic Pisces Mar 19 #62
I'm hoping the Senate kills the bill. Ptah Mar 19 #64
1. The Republican presidential nominee is now against the ban. 2. The Democratic nominee will sign it into law. All Mixed Up Mar 19 #103
Because they are so horrible Cosmocat Mar 20 #140
Post removed Post removed Mar 19 #8
Maga terrorist says what? Sugarcoated Mar 19 #13
Message auto-removed Name removed Mar 19 #117
Stupid to do it in an election year. STUPID. blm Mar 19 #9
I really don't understand the timing Pisces Mar 19 #10
My guess is they were baited into it. You'd think they'd know by now. blm Mar 19 #12
That's a lot of baiting in the house! It almost was a unanimous vote. jimfields33 Mar 19 #29
Our party is not good at thinking through these Voltaire2 Mar 19 #59
Republicans run the house, that's why they're doing it in an election year... spanone Mar 19 #35
Baited into it. 😕 blm Mar 19 #37
but young voters aren't as reliable as older voters SouthBayDem Mar 19 #54
We can't afford to lose the ones that do vote!!!! Pisces Mar 19 #63
It's pretty obvious to tell when a person who actually uses TikTok comments LuvLoogie Mar 19 #79
Then it says more about the TikTok user than Congress. SouthBayDem Mar 19 #89
55% of Americans use TicToc womanofthehills Mar 19 #104
All I know is I had to create an account to even see a video. Once I did, it constantly sent me notifications.... LeftInTX Mar 19 #124
Since the majority of older voters tend to vote for Republicans Mariana Mar 19 #91
I meant "older" as in more middle aged, think 35-50. SouthBayDem Mar 19 #96
Do you think banning it moves the needle with older voters? All Mixed Up Mar 19 #105
There's the 30-65 age range you left out. SouthBayDem Mar 19 #108
Again, do you think banning Tiktok moves these voters? All Mixed Up Mar 19 #110
At the moment this is bipartisan idiocy. Voltaire2 Mar 19 #11
It is not to ban Tik Tok Beausoleil Mar 19 #14
Right, not a "ban". I posted the precedent for this the other day, China sold a dating app in 2020 emulatorloo Mar 19 #18
And didn't that have a hilarious ending - After claims that the evil Chinese owners were going to violate... Lancero Mar 19 #31
Nonetheless highly unlikely Tik tok going to get "banned." emulatorloo Mar 19 #32
No, it'll just get sold off to a company that will violate our privacy. Lancero Mar 19 #33
Did Grindr get banned? No. The thread is about "bans". You're off topic. emulatorloo Mar 19 #36
No, this topic is about TikTok. You brought up Grindr. Lancero Mar 19 #39
Already posted a Grindr divestiture topic the other day. emulatorloo Mar 19 #67
It is banned if they don't sell it. Cuthbert Allgood Mar 19 #20
It's not hidden messages Beausoleil Mar 19 #34
So civic engagement? Cuthbert Allgood Mar 19 #41
Calls were based on Beausoleil Mar 19 #43
What propaganda? Cuthbert Allgood Mar 19 #50
Look, I'm not for banning Tik Tok Beausoleil Mar 19 #74
Sure. But I don't think you have shown: Cuthbert Allgood Mar 19 #76
This is what I am referring to Beausoleil Mar 19 #90
I still don't get the propaganda. Cuthbert Allgood Mar 20 #145
Its a ban.... TheRealNorth Mar 19 #23
Poor bytedance /s emulatorloo Mar 19 #25
Not exactly womanofthehills Mar 20 #127
And the billionare right is chompin at the bit for a price. The Grand Illuminist Mar 19 #52
ByteDance is controlled by its board of directors Voltaire2 Mar 19 #60
The kids are hearing BAN!!!!! It's maddening Pisces Mar 19 #65
The owners have to decide if they get more by owning TikTok minus the USA, or a forced sale muriel_volestrangler Mar 19 #83
I doubt if they will sell to America womanofthehills Mar 19 #106
A litany of responses based on a false premise Ponietz Mar 20 #137
It will be resolved with an American company control edhopper Mar 19 #17
Do you think young voters are goldfish? Cuthbert Allgood Mar 19 #21
Yes edhopper Mar 19 #24
And then you'll be shocked when they don't vote like you want and you'll be the goldfish, I guess. Cuthbert Allgood Mar 19 #30
And I think edhopper Mar 19 #42
We better hope they show up, and do whatever we can to encourage them. Mariana Mar 19 #95
I thought it was the majority of old white people voting Republican? betsuni Mar 19 #97
it's the majority of old people overall. Mariana Mar 19 #102
Not just on the specific Tiktok issue, apparently many voters of all ages are goldfish Silent3 Mar 20 #133
You do know the young elected Biden and gave us the blue wave in the off election, right? Cuthbert Allgood Mar 20 #146
I'm not shitting on young people Silent3 Mar 20 #148
Bytedance doesn't really have a reason to sell womanofthehills Mar 20 #128
Thats the point edhopper Mar 20 #139
Do we want to associate with people who place keeping TiK Toc above other issues? Kaleva Mar 19 #22
Another day, another DU Doomthread. emulatorloo Mar 19 #26
Agree Kaleva Mar 19 #28
The cluelessness of this take is epic. LuvLoogie Mar 19 #44
I guess you don't know any 18 to 22 yr old first time voters. I do. This is anecdotal but it matters to them Pisces Mar 19 #120
You can wipe their asses for them. I wont Kaleva Mar 20 #143
Yes, I thought especially climate change was the most serious existential issue deciding the future betsuni Mar 19 #46
When Tic Toc is more important then climate change.. Kaleva Mar 20 #141
Totally agree. nt Raine Mar 19 #99
I mean that's how elections are won lol All Mixed Up Mar 19 #107
Fuck them Kaleva Mar 20 #142
Are they angrier with Democrats, or Republicans? sop Mar 19 #27
The law in China is that a company has to turn over data it has gathered upon the request of the government ripcord Mar 19 #40
I've seen barely a handful of Tik Tock videos mike_c Mar 19 #45
If that is what the algorithm is giving you, I have some shocking news for you. Cuthbert Allgood Mar 19 #51
no, lol-- those videos were on YouTube back in the day mike_c Mar 19 #88
I said this from the beginning of this "ban" talk Docreed2003 Mar 19 #47
But we wouldn't be banning them, we're be forcing them to sell or get banned. Lancero Mar 19 #48
I'm going to punch you in the face. Cuthbert Allgood Mar 19 #53
I think everyone here understands that nuance Docreed2003 Mar 19 #55
+1 demmiblue Mar 19 #61
That's not true. Cuthbert Allgood Mar 19 #66
It was on mine Docreed2003 Mar 19 #80
Which is the real problem with the app. TheKentuckian Mar 19 #68
Yes. But In other words, tik tok is lying/spreading disinformation. emulatorloo Mar 19 #69
Yet 150 Democrats voted with the Republicans in the House MichMan Mar 19 #85
They aren't losing anything... Tik Tok isn't banned yet and may never be. Chakaconcarne Mar 19 #49
Murc's law: only Democrats have agency and control in government. Republicans are innocent bystanders. betsuni Mar 19 #73
Taylor should buy it Beachnutt Mar 19 #56
If they are that stupid then they deserve trump, and If we lose because of crap like this, I am done. JohnSJ Mar 19 #57
Any ideas how to get more older people to vote for Democrats? Mariana Mar 19 #101
Take away their Medicare and and Social Security, but that will be after the fact, and they are too stupid to realize it JohnSJ Mar 20 #130
It would be at least be smart if the Senate would, Prairie_Seagull Mar 19 #70
Golden Rule angrychair Mar 19 #71
Yep, a self-inflicted wound. SYFROYH Mar 19 #72
People should be able to make their own choices about what they want to watch. Ping Tung Mar 19 #75
K&R spanone Mar 19 #77
Throwback to Al Gore ... Mike Niendorff Mar 19 #81
If I could recommend this one hundred times it would not be enough Tribetime Mar 19 #82
K&R spanone Mar 19 #84
Enthusiasm gag enid602 Mar 19 #86
Nah, the young voters aren't that dumb.... Think. Again. Mar 19 #87
We CANNOT afford another massive self-inflicted wound! Sky Jewels Mar 19 #92
AGREED 100 percent. Unfortunately many Democrats seem hell bent on bringing knives to a gunfight. B.See Mar 19 #94
So true. The Republicans have been fighting dirty for many decades (Reagan's 1980 Iran hostage release delay, anyone?) Sky Jewels Mar 19 #98
Examples (not just one or two) of "milquetoast 'bipartisan' appeasers"? Majority of the party? betsuni Mar 19 #100
So Gaza-TikTok trumps climate change, health care, civil rights, democracy, women's rights, the future. betsuni Mar 19 #109
Almost Every TikToker DarthDem Mar 19 #111
Yes, I recently made a NYE fireworks video and it went directly to YouTube shorts. No background music required. LeftInTX Mar 19 #115
Nice video! DarthDem Mar 19 #119
Tiktok is China and China is a threat to USA rockfordfile Mar 20 #129
China and Russia are huge threats, they are serious. betsuni Mar 20 #132
Youth's screen addiction is a thing. The Internet is global enough to continue their addiction. ancianita Mar 19 #114
Good Lord. Another day. Another useless threat from a another "Democratic" demographic. I'll take the word of... Tarheel_Dem Mar 19 #116
Yes. betsuni Mar 19 #118
It's a misstep and I know 18 yr olds that voted in the primary that are very upset by this.They are not a Pisces Mar 19 #121
It's the same shit every election cycle. I refuse to be guided by fear of this group or that group withholding their... Tarheel_Dem Mar 19 #122
Deprogramming and Vine Trexmaster Mar 19 #123
The Green Party and Party of Socialism and Liberation, Communist Party USA and their followers are heavily on Tik Tok LeftInTX Mar 19 #126
Watching people fall for Chinese propaganda Mountainguy Mar 20 #131
Yes it is. betsuni Mar 20 #135
Send them all to AA/NA or whatever. William769 Mar 20 #134
Won't vote for Democrats because they think Democrats aren't focusing on other matters betsuni Mar 20 #136
Isn't this academic until the Senate votes on it, potentially not to force no_hypocrisy Mar 20 #138
If the youth were so in tune kcr Mar 20 #144
Addicted? I don't think so. It's their trusted form of communication. Autumn Mar 20 #147

LuvLoogie

(7,011 posts)
2. It's not just young people.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 01:48 PM
Mar 19

It's pretty much every Democratic user who isn't a politician. Pretty much every progressive creator. Yeah it's a stupid move by Democrats in congress. I'd call it clueless.

limbicnuminousity

(1,402 posts)
38. And yet
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:47 PM
Mar 19

the Nazi twitter platform is a-ok. If they really want to insure privacy is protected and anti-democracy campaigns are prohibited then perhaps the same regulations applied in the EU should be applied to Tik Tok, Twitter, Google, Apple, Meta, Instagram, etc. But for some reason that would be going overboard.

Idiots.

Elessar Zappa

(14,004 posts)
4. I go back and forth on this issue.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 01:49 PM
Mar 19

In some ways, I agree with the proposed ban because because of China’s spying. On the other hand, we can’t afford to lose even a small number of the youth vote. I think my final opinion is don’t ban it.

TheRealNorth

(9,481 posts)
16. Instead of China....
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:17 PM
Mar 19

Steve Mnuechen and the Republicans will own our data and be able to play with the logarithms to funnel anto-Democratic disinformation to young people.

Yeah, let's turn Tik Tok into Twitter.

Takket

(21,575 posts)
93. yeah this is my concern........
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 05:40 PM
Mar 19

I absolutely agree that TikTok needs to be out of the hands of China to prevent it's data from being against our population.

But just putting up for auction to be bought by another right wing oligarch to turn it into a platform to disseminate hate is out of the frying pan and into the fire................

we should have learned our lesson from Musk destroying twitter

Voltaire2

(13,054 posts)
58. China doesn't control Tik Tok or it's data
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:25 PM
Mar 19

or it’s algorithms.

However, like any other organization China can pay tik tok for data access. The problems with tik tok are generic: data privacy and dubious algorithms.

TheProle

(2,179 posts)
78. Nah
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:37 PM
Mar 19
https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/18/tech/tiktok-bytedance-china-ownership-intl-hnk/index.html

Chew has emphatically told Congress that ByteDance is not owned or controlled by the Chinese government.

However, like most other Chinese companies, ByteDance is legally compelled to establish an in-house Communist Party committee composed of employees who are party members.

Zhang Fuping, the company’s vice president and editor-in-chief, serves as the secretary of the party committee. The committee often holds sessions to study the party and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. One session in 2018 was joined by Zhang Yiming and his management team, according to the Beijing government.

Also, like its competitors, ByteDance has had to allow the Chinese government to take a so-called “golden share” in one of its key subsidiaries.

flying_wahini

(6,606 posts)
6. I love TikTok. I admit it. I'm 69 years old.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:03 PM
Mar 19

Facebook and Instagram both owned by Zuckerberg are MUCH more dangerous to Us.
I think somebody took the wrong advice on this one.

TikTok is pretty tame compared to X too. Musk is crazy.

It was about Money and Market share and little else.

Bettie

(16,110 posts)
15. Because the majority of younger voters
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:15 PM
Mar 19

tend to lean toward Democrats.

This will push them toward not voting or voting for third parties.

Bettie

(16,110 posts)
112. Me too
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 09:27 PM
Mar 19

because it is foolish to do this now...or ever.

I'm on Tik Tok and other social media. Facebook feeds me far more stuff I never asked for than Tik Tok. So does Instagram/Threads.

Pisces

(5,599 posts)
62. Biden would be signing it therefore he will get the blame as will all Democrats. This is very basic
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:53 PM
Mar 19
 

All Mixed Up

(597 posts)
103. 1. The Republican presidential nominee is now against the ban. 2. The Democratic nominee will sign it into law.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 07:56 PM
Mar 19

Cosmocat

(14,565 posts)
140. Because they are so horrible
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 07:58 AM
Mar 20

being horrible is the expectation for them, so they don't get held accountable for being horrible.

America 2024.

Response to Pisces (Original post)

Response to Sugarcoated (Reply #13)

jimfields33

(15,820 posts)
29. That's a lot of baiting in the house! It almost was a unanimous vote.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:33 PM
Mar 19

I couldn’t believe the numbers who voted to ban it.

spanone

(135,844 posts)
35. Republicans run the house, that's why they're doing it in an election year...
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:42 PM
Mar 19

they know this will hurt Joe Biden who said he will sign the bill.

SouthBayDem

(32,027 posts)
54. but young voters aren't as reliable as older voters
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:12 PM
Mar 19

Otherwise, Bernie Sanders would have been the nominee.

For every terminally online 20 year old lost there are many more 40 year old reliable voters more in tune with issues affecting their congressional district.

LuvLoogie

(7,011 posts)
79. It's pretty obvious to tell when a person who actually uses TikTok comments
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:40 PM
Mar 19

versus those that don't use TikTok and have no clue as to what the platform has become.

SouthBayDem

(32,027 posts)
89. Then it says more about the TikTok user than Congress.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 05:13 PM
Mar 19

Do we really want voters who value a silly video app over the real issues facing the country?

LeftInTX

(25,366 posts)
124. All I know is I had to create an account to even see a video. Once I did, it constantly sent me notifications....
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 11:47 PM
Mar 19

All the time, I got notifications. I didn't follow anyone on Tik Tok, but constantly got notifications. I turned those off.
And the videos constantly posted on FB too. I also got a notification every time someone posted one on FB. I found it extremely annoying.
YouTube, Instagram, FB and SnapChat are more popular with young adults than Tik Tok

Mariana

(14,858 posts)
91. Since the majority of older voters tend to vote for Republicans
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 05:28 PM
Mar 19

Its important that Democrats work to keep young voters on their side.

SouthBayDem

(32,027 posts)
96. I meant "older" as in more middle aged, think 35-50.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 06:24 PM
Mar 19

Personally I'd prefer a voting base of thoughtful people with life experience, not a bunch of 21 year olds who are obsessively online and lacking in impulse control.

 

All Mixed Up

(597 posts)
105. Do you think banning it moves the needle with older voters?
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 07:58 PM
Mar 19

In 2020, Biden won the under 30 vote 60-36. He lost the 65+ vote 52-47. What demographic do you think might be more important for Biden heading into November - the one he lost four years ago or the one he won handily?

In 2016, Hillary won the under 30 vote 55-36. That five-point difference does not seem significant but if Biden won that demographic similarly to Hillary's numbers, he would have lost.

SouthBayDem

(32,027 posts)
108. There's the 30-65 age range you left out.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 08:18 PM
Mar 19

Who's more likely to vote in the real world - 18-30 year olds, or 30-65 year olds?

An answer from 2022: Exit polling showed that 30% of voters were aged 30-49 compared to 11% from 18-29.



So for every one TikTok obsessive there are two or three more reliable, mature, better informed voters.

 

All Mixed Up

(597 posts)
110. Again, do you think banning Tiktok moves these voters?
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 08:52 PM
Mar 19

I don't.

So, what are we gaining here?

Also, 56% of US TikTok users are 25 or older.

Your argument doesn't add up. Unless you think some voters will be more open to voting Biden for the ban (which I see no reason why they would), limiting the age range that you did the best in four years ago is just cutting your nose off to spite your face.

If everything remains the same with those other older voters, and Biden wins the under 30 vote by margins Hillary did in 2016, he will lose reelection. So, why risk it if you have nothing to gain politically from it?

Beausoleil

(2,843 posts)
14. It is not to ban Tik Tok
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:13 PM
Mar 19

It's a bill to force Bytedance (controlled by the Chinese Communist Party) to divest (sell) the app. This the most likely outcome if the bill even passes which it may not.

The danger is the manipulation of users by the CCP, which is obviously happening indicated by Tok Tok telling users that it is a ban.

emulatorloo

(44,131 posts)
18. Right, not a "ban". I posted the precedent for this the other day, China sold a dating app in 2020
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:20 PM
Mar 19

under pressure from US.

TikTok is doing a big ole propaganda campaign by lying to the users about a “ban.”

Grindr has been sold by its Chinese owner after the US expressed security concerns
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100218785746

Lancero

(3,003 posts)
31. And didn't that have a hilarious ending - After claims that the evil Chinese owners were going to violate...
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:37 PM
Mar 19

The privacy of US citizens, the new owners ended up selling off user data in mass to a Catholic aligned NGO.

https://gizmodo.com/grindr-data-track-gay-priests-catholic-laity-clergy-1850207618

And the government response, so such a blatant violation of our privacy? Crickets.

Lancero

(3,003 posts)
33. No, it'll just get sold off to a company that will violate our privacy.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:41 PM
Mar 19

Which, hilariously, our government cites as the reason for forcing a sale with threats of a ban.

emulatorloo

(44,131 posts)
36. Did Grindr get banned? No. The thread is about "bans". You're off topic.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:43 PM
Mar 19

Start your own thread I think it would be interesting.

Lancero

(3,003 posts)
39. No, this topic is about TikTok. You brought up Grindr.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:48 PM
Mar 19

If you don't want people talking about that, maybe you should have stayed on topic.

Take your own advice though and spin up a Grindr topic since you were so eager to bring it up here.

emulatorloo

(44,131 posts)
67. Already posted a Grindr divestiture topic the other day.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:07 PM
Mar 19

Still looking forward to your thread about how Tik Tok will “just get sold off to a company that will violate our privacy.”

Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
20. It is banned if they don't sell it.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:21 PM
Mar 19

And are we pretending that the optics of a bill aren't important?

And do you think the CCP is sending hidden messages in Tik Tok videos? Most of the people I see on Tik Tok talking about it are frustrated that 85% of the House can't agree on anything except this stupid fucking thing. And it is pissing people off that the claims of "we can't agree to solve a thing" are actually dumb given that they can agree on something.

Beausoleil

(2,843 posts)
34. It's not hidden messages
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:41 PM
Mar 19

Tik Tok used location tracking to engage minor users to flood Congress's switchboards with warnings about banning the app.

Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
41. So civic engagement?
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:49 PM
Mar 19

And the youth that we constantly hear aren't engaged were actually engaged? Doesn't sound like a negative. OH NOES! THE SWITCHBOARD WAS FLOODED!

Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
50. What propaganda?
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:08 PM
Mar 19

That the House was voting on banning the app? They were. You can spin it all you want about it being about selling it, but if it isn't sold, it's banned.

Beausoleil

(2,843 posts)
74. Look, I'm not for banning Tik Tok
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:31 PM
Mar 19

That in itself is problematic. The bill may not even pass the Senate. There is no issue until the bill is signed.
In the meantime we have a panicked segment of the public based on lies that Tik Tok is telling its users.

I consider misinformation and disinformation coming from the CCP aimed at impressionable minors as propaganda.

Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
76. Sure. But I don't think you have shown:
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:34 PM
Mar 19

1. That there was misinformation or disinformation, and, if there was,
2. That is it coming from the CCP, and
3. That it was aimed at minors, much less
4. That it was propaganda.

An American user on Tik Tok telling their followers to call their representative doesn't mean that the CCP was "spreading propaganda."

Facebook has done much worse and there have been no votes to make them sell.

Beausoleil

(2,843 posts)
90. This is what I am referring to
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 05:19 PM
Mar 19

When some American users opened TikTok on Thursday morning, they were met with a full-screen message encouraging them to call Congress and say no to a TikTok ban.

“Speak up now — before your government strips 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression,” the screen says. “Let Congress know what TikTok means to you and tell them to vote NO.”


https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/07/tiktok-ban-congress/

This was not an American user, this was Tik Tok.

There was no detail about the bill; implied an outright ban, which is false.


Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who backed the legislation, said Thursday in a post on X that the effort was a “massive propaganda campaign.”


Some congressional aides said the callers bombarding their offices skewed young, while others said they appeared to range in age from teens to senior citizens.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/03/07/tiktok-ban-congress-calls-us/

Obviously Tik Tok knows who their users are and I suspect that many minors use apps by misrepresenting themselves as adults.

I would not believe anything that Tik Tok says in their own defense; they are after all in business in the US and can lie as they wish.


Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
145. I still don't get the propaganda.
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 09:00 AM
Mar 20

Yeah, I know, "iT'S nOT a BaN!"

Yeah, it is. The company is being forced to sell or it will be banned. Why would the company care after it is forced to sell?

And the end result of all of this is that those that skewed young were encouraged to be civically engaged. Oh the fucking horror.

TheRealNorth

(9,481 posts)
23. Its a ban....
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:23 PM
Mar 19

If Bytedance doesn't sell.

That's kinda of like threatening to burn your house down, but then saying it isn't arson if you sell me your house first.

This is the sort of shit right-wing oligarchs like Hungary do.

womanofthehills

(8,718 posts)
127. Not exactly
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 12:35 AM
Mar 20

Bytedance is worth 300 billion dollars. Like Vanguard - they own lots of stuff - like China’s hospitals etc.

They own 40% of TicToc - internationals own the rest.

The Grand Illuminist

(1,332 posts)
52. And the billionare right is chompin at the bit for a price.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:10 PM
Mar 19

Their new strategy "If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em!"

Voltaire2

(13,054 posts)
60. ByteDance is controlled by its board of directors
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:29 PM
Mar 19

the majority of whom are us citizens. China and the CCP do not control ByteDance or Tik Tok.

muriel_volestrangler

(101,321 posts)
83. The owners have to decide if they get more by owning TikTok minus the USA, or a forced sale
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:52 PM
Mar 19

for which bidders will presumably keep their bids low, knowing the current owners have to sell it below the worth owners without infrastructure in China could get.

It's quite possible they'd prefer to run it outside the USA for now, and then wait and see if the ban is reversed at some time. They'd still have the option of selling later, to someone who would then be allowed to add the USA back in (maybe add India back in too, where it's already banned).

womanofthehills

(8,718 posts)
106. I doubt if they will sell to America
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 08:03 PM
Mar 19

As America is one of 150 countries that TicToc is in. The company said they will store US data in US.

Ponietz

(2,980 posts)
137. A litany of responses based on a false premise
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 05:45 AM
Mar 20

That’s “social” media.

Like your reply, a kernel of truth can be found here and there in a web of inanity.
“Social” media annihilates nuance.

Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
21. Do you think young voters are goldfish?
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:22 PM
Mar 19

They'll remember. They'll remember that the government couldn't come together to agree on anything except this dumbass bill. And then they won't vote because their thoughts that the government is useless will be confirmed.

edhopper

(33,584 posts)
24. Yes
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:24 PM
Mar 19

I do think they are goldfish. If TikTok is still on their phones, they won't care about the geopolitical details.

Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
30. And then you'll be shocked when they don't vote like you want and you'll be the goldfish, I guess.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:37 PM
Mar 19

And plenty of liberals realize that China isn't controlling us with Tik Tok. This bill is ridiculously short sighted. Especially given that Facebook, Apple, and a lot of other tech companies sell the same information to whomever wishes to buy it, but they are not even included in this discussion.

edhopper

(33,584 posts)
42. And I think
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:53 PM
Mar 19

Tik Tok is a data mining ap that also has video, and the Chinese government gets the data.
I hold by my post and disagree with you.
I am awaiting to see if they vote at all. They usually don't show up.

Mariana

(14,858 posts)
95. We better hope they show up, and do whatever we can to encourage them.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 05:45 PM
Mar 19

The majorty of old people vote Republican, so we need their votes.

Mariana

(14,858 posts)
102. it's the majority of old people overall.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 07:47 PM
Mar 19

You can select out this or that subgroup of old people who support Democrats, but still, the majority of old people vote Republican.

Silent3

(15,219 posts)
133. Not just on the specific Tiktok issue, apparently many voters of all ages are goldfish
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 02:19 AM
Mar 20

Trump wouldn't be anywhere within 20 points of Biden if a lot of voters had keen recall, or even half a brain.

It's absolutely pathetic how little retention, not to mention awareness and common sense, many voters seem to have.

Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
146. You do know the young elected Biden and gave us the blue wave in the off election, right?
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 09:01 AM
Mar 20

Odd that we are shitting on them now.

Silent3

(15,219 posts)
148. I'm not shitting on young people
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 03:58 PM
Mar 20

I’m shitting on a large portion of the entire American electorate. Young people, I would say, have been a bit less shitty than the whole, to their credit.

womanofthehills

(8,718 posts)
128. Bytedance doesn't really have a reason to sell
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 12:42 AM
Mar 20

As US is one of 150 counties TicToc is in. TicToc has lots of international investors (60% of TicToc is owned by international investors) plus American investors - said they will store us data in US.

edhopper

(33,584 posts)
139. Thats the point
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 07:38 AM
Mar 20

If they do that Tik Tok is okay. The company doesn’t have to sell itself, just the American division.

Kaleva

(36,307 posts)
22. Do we want to associate with people who place keeping TiK Toc above other issues?
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:23 PM
Mar 19

Like climate change, affordable health care, women's rights and so on .

emulatorloo

(44,131 posts)
26. Another day, another DU Doomthread.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:28 PM
Mar 19

There’s 8 months until the election. It isn’t going to still be an issue; Most likely Bytedance will sell and the app won’t go away.

Just like this similar situation in 2020:

Grindr has been sold by its Chinese owner after the US expressed security concerns
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100218785746

Pisces

(5,599 posts)
120. I guess you don't know any 18 to 22 yr old first time voters. I do. This is anecdotal but it matters to them
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 11:22 PM
Mar 19

That Biden said he would sign the ban if it gets to him. They spend a lot of time on Tik Tok and wonder why Biden is focused on this and not bigger issues. Directly out of their mouths.

Kaleva

(36,307 posts)
143. You can wipe their asses for them. I wont
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 08:59 AM
Mar 20

They can go away but they won't leave because they want the handouts .

betsuni

(25,537 posts)
46. Yes, I thought especially climate change was the most serious existential issue deciding the future
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:58 PM
Mar 19

but now an app is more important. Okay then.

Kaleva

(36,307 posts)
141. When Tic Toc is more important then climate change..
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 08:51 AM
Mar 20

then all we can do is wish them well and point them to the door.

 

All Mixed Up

(597 posts)
107. I mean that's how elections are won lol
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 08:05 PM
Mar 19

For some, their top issue is what they perceive censorship by the US government. This isn't just banning tiktok, many believe it's the US trying to shut it down because of how much pro-Palestine the messaging has been over the last few months. I don't agree with it but they certainly believe that's the driving force.

But your flippant understanding of 'important issues' misses the point.

There's a lot of people who prioritize those issues and fair or not, believe Biden has failed to deliver results.

So, tiktok just acts as the final straw for many.

After all, Biden and Democrats had the House and Senate when Roe was overturned and nothing happened - they didn't codify it nationally but now they're saying, "vote for us and we'll for sure do it!"

It's a tough message because nuance is not a virtue in politics. The reality is that the Democrats didn't have the votes.

But for many of these voters, they don't see any incentive to vote Biden. And now he's going to turn around and take away their favorite app. You can't see why that might impact their vote or whether they feel even inclined to vote in November?

Kaleva

(36,307 posts)
142. Fuck them
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 08:55 AM
Mar 20

I could care less if they have a hissy fit and stay home. If you want to baby them and wipe their asses, you are free to do so.

sop

(10,192 posts)
27. Are they angrier with Democrats, or Republicans?
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:31 PM
Mar 19

The bill passed in the House with a vote of 352-65; 197 Republicans voted for the bill and 15 against, while 155 Democrats voted for it and 50 against.

ripcord

(5,408 posts)
40. The law in China is that a company has to turn over data it has gathered upon the request of the government
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:48 PM
Mar 19

It is amazing that the same people who freaked out over the U S. gathering data are willing to hand it over to China.

mike_c

(36,281 posts)
45. I've seen barely a handful of Tik Tock videos
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 02:58 PM
Mar 19

It looks to me like Tik Tok is in the teenage-boys-launching-fireworks-from-their-butts stage of video platform development. Not very interesting.

Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
51. If that is what the algorithm is giving you, I have some shocking news for you.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:09 PM
Mar 19

That's because of what you look up on the internet. The algorithm has never sent me anything like that.

mike_c

(36,281 posts)
88. no, lol-- those videos were on YouTube back in the day
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 05:04 PM
Mar 19

As I said, I haven't seen many videos on Tik Tok yet.

Docreed2003

(16,862 posts)
47. I said this from the beginning of this "ban" talk
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:01 PM
Mar 19

You want to lose the youth vote, then ban TikTok. Why else would this be something the GOP would be willing to push if they didn't think they could hang it on the Democrats.

Lancero

(3,003 posts)
48. But we wouldn't be banning them, we're be forcing them to sell or get banned.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:05 PM
Mar 19

It's not a case of "Look what we did!" it's a case of "Look at what you made us do!"

It's completely different.

Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
53. I'm going to punch you in the face.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:11 PM
Mar 19

You can give me $20 to not punch you in the face. I can't then turn around and say "I wasn't planning to punch you in the face. You had other options."

It's a ban. And the youth are smart enough to see through the bullshit of "it's completely different." Because they aren't morons.

And, FYI, look what you made me do is gross. It's abuser language. You might want a different take.

Docreed2003

(16,862 posts)
55. I think everyone here understands that nuance
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:15 PM
Mar 19

The average citizen does not. If you open the TikTok app right now, the banner says "The US House just voted to ban TikTok. Call your Senator and ask them to vote "No" on this ban". That's what the average person is seeing and that's what they'll believe, facts be damned. Good luck getting any of them to listen and accept nuance

Cuthbert Allgood

(4,921 posts)
66. That's not true.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:03 PM
Mar 19

I just opened Tik Tok and the first thing I saw was a video of Cashy snowboarding in some fresh powder (and just fucking slaying it).

TheKentuckian

(25,026 posts)
68. Which is the real problem with the app.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:09 PM
Mar 19

Faux: The Next Generation.

It is a propaganda fountain for limited attention spans.

MichMan

(11,932 posts)
85. Yet 150 Democrats voted with the Republicans in the House
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:53 PM
Mar 19

Why would they do that? Did they not understand what they were voting for?

Chakaconcarne

(2,453 posts)
49. They aren't losing anything... Tik Tok isn't banned yet and may never be.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:05 PM
Mar 19

Anyway, why would only Democrats lose the youth vote?

betsuni

(25,537 posts)
73. Murc's law: only Democrats have agency and control in government. Republicans are innocent bystanders.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:26 PM
Mar 19

Everything's Democrats' fault no matter what. It's the law.

JohnSJ

(92,217 posts)
57. If they are that stupid then they deserve trump, and If we lose because of crap like this, I am done.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 03:20 PM
Mar 19

My first election was for McGovern, and I lived through the civil right movement, voting rights act, Women's rights, Viet Nam, etc. etc. etc. and I am watching those hard fought rights slowly whittle away.

We lose this time, I don't give a rat's ass anymore.



Mariana

(14,858 posts)
101. Any ideas how to get more older people to vote for Democrats?
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 07:42 PM
Mar 19

The majorty of them voted for Trump twice, and will probably do it again ths year.

JohnSJ

(92,217 posts)
130. Take away their Medicare and and Social Security, but that will be after the fact, and they are too stupid to realize it
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 01:57 AM
Mar 20

that it will be trump and the rethugs who would do that if they are elected

Prairie_Seagull

(3,324 posts)
70. It would be at least be smart if the Senate would,
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:17 PM
Mar 19

being the 'most deliberative body in the world', kick the can until after the election.

angrychair

(8,699 posts)
71. Golden Rule
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:20 PM
Mar 19

If you are a Democrat voting on legislation and the majority of Republicans are voting like you on that legislation, you are making the wrong vote.

Ping Tung

(577 posts)
75. People should be able to make their own choices about what they want to watch.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:31 PM
Mar 19

This seems to be just another attempt at scaring the populace with a new Bogeyman.

Mike Niendorff

(3,462 posts)
81. Throwback to Al Gore ...
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:49 PM
Mar 19

Remember Tipper Gore and the PMRC? It still pisses people off, even 30 years later.

So please, let's not be leaning back into that garbage, guys. Too much is on the line to indulge this crap.

And PS -- please for god's sake don't set up a situation where TikTok is put under the control of a wingnut-consortium like Steven Mnuchin is planning.


MDN

enid602

(8,620 posts)
86. Enthusiasm gag
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 04:58 PM
Mar 19

I believe that the Dems will unfortunately suffer an enthusiasm gap until there’s a ceasefire. Has nothing to do with Til-Tok.

Think. Again.

(8,172 posts)
87. Nah, the young voters aren't that dumb....
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 05:04 PM
Mar 19

...if it really is a national security issue, then of course some changes have to made.

And why would anybody who uses tiktok care who the actual owner is, if they don't already care that it may be a national security issue?

The sale of the platform probably won't effect the users.

This whole "WE'RE LOSING THE YOUTH VOTE!!!" hysteria sounds more like psy-op than truth.

Sky Jewels

(7,111 posts)
92. We CANNOT afford another massive self-inflicted wound!
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 05:32 PM
Mar 19

Merrick Garland was plenty!

Millions of young people are already furious at and disgusted by the administration for enabling Netanyahu’s genocide in Gaza. You would think Dem politicians would realize this move would further dampen the Gen Z vote, which is essential if Biden is to keep Trump out of the White House. My own two Gen Z kids are definitely very angry about Gaza and the prospect of a TikTok ban.

Sky Jewels

(7,111 posts)
98. So true. The Republicans have been fighting dirty for many decades (Reagan's 1980 Iran hostage release delay, anyone?)
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 07:19 PM
Mar 19

and yet too many Democrats always seem eager to be milquetoast "bipartisan" appeasers and play Charlie Brown to football-holding Lucy. Not all, not all, I know...

betsuni

(25,537 posts)
100. Examples (not just one or two) of "milquetoast 'bipartisan' appeasers"? Majority of the party?
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 07:35 PM
Mar 19

"Milquetoast" was a very popular insult for Democrats in 2016 and still Cornel West's favorite insult.

betsuni

(25,537 posts)
109. So Gaza-TikTok trumps climate change, health care, civil rights, democracy, women's rights, the future.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 08:29 PM
Mar 19

Because they're "furious."

DarthDem

(5,255 posts)
111. Almost Every TikToker
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 09:17 PM
Mar 19

Is now also on YouTube Shorts. Which is actually more user-friendly at least IMO. This isn't going to have any impact whatsoever even if it passes and it results in a ban, which it probably won't.

Also, the (few) Very Online People up in arms about this won't vote anyway.

Finally, the president said immediately that he'd sign the bill. This isn't some neophyte; he's one of the best-steeped policymakers (maybe the best) in the history of the office. He's also advised by some brilliant people including many young advisors. I trust that they analyzed the proposal in depth, then figured this out.

LeftInTX

(25,366 posts)
115. Yes, I recently made a NYE fireworks video and it went directly to YouTube shorts. No background music required.
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 09:58 PM
Mar 19

There weren't any prompts for editing or background music.

Most Tik Tok videos are heavily edited. Like Tik Tok, the thing plays infinitely on YouTube shorts...LOL Fortunately, you are spared here!






src="

" title="NYE 2024" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen


DarthDem

(5,255 posts)
119. Nice video!
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 11:21 PM
Mar 19

I haven't heard any content creators I follow complain about YT Shorts versus TikTok. Google can probably figure out how to have YouTube host videos, LOL.

Tarheel_Dem

(31,234 posts)
116. Good Lord. Another day. Another useless threat from a another "Democratic" demographic. I'll take the word of...
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 11:13 PM
Mar 19

President Biden who has actual access to national security threat information over that of the Tik Tok demographic.

Pisces

(5,599 posts)
121. It's a misstep and I know 18 yr olds that voted in the primary that are very upset by this.They are not a
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 11:26 PM
Mar 19

Useless demographic. I don’t think we can afford to be so cavalier in this election. It could have waited until after the election.

Tarheel_Dem

(31,234 posts)
122. It's the same shit every election cycle. I refuse to be guided by fear of this group or that group withholding their...
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 11:32 PM
Mar 19

support. You can't please everyone, and I would never even try, especially after someone has threatened me.

Trexmaster

(9 posts)
123. Deprogramming and Vine
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 11:40 PM
Mar 19
#1 – Are the youth in question old enough to vote?
Yeah, it's a tragedy they're exposed to filth but, at best, it's part of their own journey to understand how the world works, eventually. If they're not old enough to vote, then they're not a concern for the moment.
Any precarious political programming with catchy slogans & short videos, during their teens/late teens, can be deprogrammed just as easily.

#2 – Everyone remembers Vine. Of course, 6-second videos would never do the trick, nor its succesor Huddles/Byte didn't with its 2-16 seconds limit.
More out of curiosity I ask, why did Vine (later Huddles) failed to grow, than how Tiktok hit the global marketplace besides the American one? Are the Chinese bleeding money, server maintenance costs, or something that I miss? Somebody, somehow, is bleeding financial resources.
It doesn't add up how this became a problem; what Vine could've been, instead of Tiktok...

LeftInTX

(25,366 posts)
126. The Green Party and Party of Socialism and Liberation, Communist Party USA and their followers are heavily on Tik Tok
Tue Mar 19, 2024, 11:53 PM
Mar 19

They're Biden's rivals.

 

Mountainguy

(537 posts)
131. Watching people fall for Chinese propaganda
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 01:59 AM
Mar 20

about how the Chinese aren't using TikTok for propaganda is pretty interesting.

betsuni

(25,537 posts)
136. Won't vote for Democrats because they think Democrats aren't focusing on other matters
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 03:27 AM
Mar 20

that seem more important?: gullible fools with no idea what the Biden administration is doing and wouldn't vote anyway, even if offered a magical revolutionary most-progressive-in-the-universe savior-god. So what?

kcr

(15,317 posts)
144. If the youth were so in tune
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 08:59 AM
Mar 20

that they would blow everything up over a TikTok "ban", then we'd never have a problem with their turnout. But let's go ahead and scream and wave our arms about it anyway, and make it a huge issue.

Autumn

(45,105 posts)
147. Addicted? I don't think so. It's their trusted form of communication.
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 09:54 AM
Mar 20

I have seen nothing to prove anything wrong with it.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Democrats are losing the ...