Community Chat

[QVCkitty1]

There is another side to the TikTok ban, one I wasn't expecting. I was late to joining the App, I checked it out , out of curiosity. At first it was dancing ,cooking and cat videos . Slowly I found myself getting to know some real folks ( not big influencers) and enjoying their stories. I don't get personal on SM, so I was amazed at how freely some of these creators shared their life. I found myself caring about them ,like the lady who just found out that her beloved dog must be put down.It seems that many Tik tokers joined during the pandemic , for connection to others , and that now is gone. I'm not going to argue the politics of the ban, I only want to say how sorry I'm for the genuine people whose lives were enriched by the friendships found on the app. All apps are manipulated, but there are unintended consequences of the ban. I will miss it.

[Puzzle Piece]

I never joined.  

[Mz iMac]

@QVCkitty1  I never joined.  I view it through its website.  The only difference is that I cannot "chat" w/members.

You should not feel sorry for them.  What the news is not telling you is that to date, nothing has been said about TikTok's "website."  The news is only talking about the app.

If the website is affected by the ban TT folks will use a VPN.  Die hard members will more than likely pay for one if their business depends on TT.  Otherwise, there are hundreds of FREE VPN's for the casual users to use.

On yesterday's national news (NBC) a tt busines owner confirmed there are other TT type apps out there.  She will follow her customers to whatever apps they go to.

[Carmie]

@Mz iMac   Are you aware that even if you never joined TikTok but have viewed anything on that website, they have captured your info?

I was shocked when I discovered that.  The Chinese government has been monitoring and planting info into the  minds of Americans...and foreigners, for years.

Our younger folks are especially targeted.  It's worse than we can imagine.

I see now where it might be allowed to continue so that a friendly buyer can be found.

Things are scary out there.  America has not been prudent in keeping it's citizens save.  Our world has changed and technology can do a lot of damage in very little time.

[jlkz]

@QVCkitty1  @Carmie 

While I have avoided using the social media platforms dominated by Google, Meta, X, TikTok, etc., I realize how pervasive they are.  Some of the effects of isolation and loneliness are scary and are being seen in mental health issues ending in suicide and paranoia.  Social media platforms can be as addicting as drugs and alcohol because content can be manipulated to produce pain-dulling endorphins.

As an 80 year-old, I probably have little impact on protecting today's youth who are tomorrow's citizens.

However, after reading the chapter "The Children Are Not All Right" in Something Lost, Something Gained, it is important to understand the power of social media platforms. Our children ( and yes adults too ) are being used for data mining and abused psychologically as they compare themselves with altered body images in this critical development stage of their lives.  No wonder depression and despair aren't far behind.

I am looking way beyond any political party.  I am concerned with an isolated citizenry that is consumed with the unreal world presented on line.  The technology has gotten out of control and continues to expand.

Mental health crises can turn into public crises and then national crises: not a good prognosis.

[Mz iMac]

@Carmie   "Are you aware that even if you never joined TikTok but have viewed anything on that website, they have captured your info?"

I use a VPN.

[sunshine45]

rumor mill is saying that there may be a "90 day extension."

[Carmie]

@jlkz   Good post.  I 100% agree.

[jlkz]

@Carmie 

Enjoy yours also !

could have been a " distant " neighbor until sale of Eagle Rock  place.