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1. Embed this notice
   Elizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾 (liztai@hachyderm.io)'s status on Wednesday, 15-Jan-2025 21:48:53 JST Elizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾

   My thoughts as a Chinese user of #RedNote: "Is there anything more ironic than American folks flocking to a China-based app after the international version of a Chinese app was banned? And is there anything funnier than a government trying to prevent its citizens from sharing their data with a Chinese app, only to have said citizens willingly give up their data directly to China instead? And isn’t it wonderfully poetic that an isolationist move ended up fostering one of the most spontaneous cultural exchanges between two "cold war" countries?"

   https://open.substack.com/pub/elizabethtai/p/tiktok-refugees-flee-to-red-note

   #Tiktokban #Tiktok #Socialmedia

   • Embed this notice
     Dr. G. Power (gpowerf@mastodon.social)'s status on Wednesday, 15-Jan-2025 22:43:21 JST Dr. G. Power

     in reply to

     @liztai People are being so incredibly nice to each other on REDNote, asking questions about the US and China and everyone is getting along and making friends. It's lovely to see!

   • Embed this notice
     Elizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾 (liztai@hachyderm.io)'s status on Wednesday, 15-Jan-2025 22:43:21 JST Elizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾

     in reply to

     • Dr. G. Power

     @gpowerf I want it to last forever!

   • Embed this notice
     Michael Martinez :verified: (michael_martinez@c.im)'s status on Wednesday, 15-Jan-2025 23:53:43 JST Michael Martinez :verified:

     in reply to

     • Dr. G. Power

     @gpowerf @liztai These social media apps are the battleground in a state-run influence war (both the U.S. and Chinese governments playing major roles, but there are many other state-level actors in the field).

     I don't see a point in debating the merits of the U.S. law. It's a done deal, even if Elon Musk does end up buying TikTok.

     The 2 main concerns I'm aware of (and this swings all ways) are:

     1. Who controls (has access to) the data?
     2. What are the algorithms designed to recommend in terms of dark patterns?

     These aren't questions one can find trustworthy answers to on social media.

     Social media is an immensely powerful tool for influencing people's opinions and actions. Regardless of whether anyone feels governments should stay out of it, they've been directly involved in manipulating social media for at least 20 years (perhaps longer).

     I think we'll see even more extreme government actions over social media around the world in coming years.

   • Embed this notice
     Elizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾 (liztai@hachyderm.io)'s status on Wednesday, 15-Jan-2025 23:53:43 JST Elizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾

     in reply to

     • Michael Martinez :verified:
     • Dr. G. Power

     @michael_martinez @gpowerf ya my country is doing the same thing, unfortunately

   • Embed this notice
     Dr. G. Power (gpowerf@mastodon.social)'s status on Wednesday, 15-Jan-2025 23:53:44 JST Dr. G. Power

     in reply to

     @liztai Unfortunately, I believe this can only be sustained if the current wave of migration slows down soon. The initial group of users are open-minded, kind, and genuinely interested in engaging with Chinese users, fostering a positive and enriching environment. However, if trolls and toxic individuals start to arrive, it could quickly deteriorate the atmosphere and ruin the experience for everyone involved.

   • Embed this notice
     Elizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾 (liztai@hachyderm.io)'s status on Sunday, 19-Jan-2025 12:13:03 JST Elizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾

     in reply to

     • Fat_Farang

     @Fat_Farang they can try. The Chinese have other apps 😆

   • Embed this notice
     Fat_Farang (fat_farang@mastodon.social)'s status on Sunday, 19-Jan-2025 12:13:04 JST Fat_Farang

     in reply to

     @liztai US Senator Mark Warner and other have started saying the TikTok ban is about stopping Chinese "propaganda". Apparently, it wasn't about national security after all, but stopping citizens from hearing other voices. They are already talking about a Red Note ban.