The Urgency to Delete TikTok

Unfortunately, TikTok users likely won’t engage with this article since it takes longer than 15 seconds to read. Here’s a compelling reason to uninstall the app immediately:

Be Famous for Pointless Activities

TikTok is systematically diminishing the attention spans of a whole generation. The platform is designed for maximum addiction—akin to digital narcotics. On average, users now spend about 52 minutes daily on the app.

Yet TikTok isn’t just a U.S. phenomenon. If younger generations are losing their ability to concentrate, isn’t this a collective issue? Not really. A glance at the top ten TikTok influencers in China versus those in America reveals stark contrasts. In the U.S., the leading influencers are often lip-syncers, dance challenge participants, and pranksters. In China, however, the top creators include artists, chefs, actors, and entrepreneurs. Comedian Andrew Schulz recently articulated this disparity:

"We shouldn’t want another country's technology influencing us. In China, the algorithm promotes constructive activities, while in America, it rewards trivial pursuits like twerking and silly dances."

— Andrew Schulz, Podcaster and Comedian

China operates like a corporation and has a vested interest in TikTok. This is akin to the U.S. owning shares in Facebook or Google and being able to influence content distribution. It's not a conspiracy; it's just business, and China excels at it.

The Algorithm's Impact on Society

Americans have notoriously short attention spans. When the documentary "The Social Dilemma" debuted in 2020, it served as a much-needed wake-up call about social media’s detrimental effects on mental health and societal well-being. Yet, the message quickly faded from public consciousness.

The documentary revealed how U.S.-based social media platforms exploit users. Why would TikTok, owned by a Chinese company, be any different—or potentially worse? The most alarming revelation was that algorithms manipulate our viewing experience. The fact that a country with such limited freedoms controls what is showcased on TikTok should be alarming.

Nationalism plays a significant role in this discussion. Countries cultivate national identities steeped in myths and propaganda, often leading to conflict. Chinese influencers and officials have labeled the West as "decadent" and "rotten to the core." This has resulted in a direct targeting of American ideas, innovation, and even our youth on an unprecedented scale.

And let’s be clear: this critique isn’t simply about TikTok's Chinese origins. If any government held a significant stake in a widely-used social media platform, it would raise eyebrows. However, China’s status as a global superpower ruled by a dictator makes this situation particularly concerning.

Conclusive Evidence of TikTok's Threat

Last week, a report from the Australian-U.S. cybersecurity firm Internet 2.0 scrutinized TikTok's lax privacy standards, revealing that the app tracks user behavior even when it's not in use. The report's author, Thomas Perkins, states:

"Our analysis shows that TikTok does not prioritize privacy. Its data collection practices are intrusive and unnecessary for functionality."

He further notes that TikTok’s iOS version connects to a server in mainland China, operated by Guizhou Baishan Cloud Technology Co Ltd, a top Chinese cybersecurity firm. Perkins highlights that TikTok seeks permissions for unnecessary features, such as keystroke patterns and device location, implying that the real motive is data harvesting.

In conclusion, the app only requires initial user consent for its invasive practices, but it often seeks repeated permissions. The frequent location tracking is unnecessary, and the extensive data collection allows TikTok to mirror the original device's identity.

The Case for Deleting TikTok

Previously, I speculated that TikTok might surpass YouTube in popularity, capturing a younger audience. While I hope I'm mistaken, my concerns about TikTok are significant. In comparison, YouTube resembles a vast library filled with educational content.

Top YouTubers include knowledgeable podcasters, documentarians, and experts across various fields. TikTok, on the other hand, is an entirely different beast, often contributing to a decline in intelligence among the youth. The platform is engineered for addiction.

When both Joe Biden and Donald Trump agree on an issue, it’s a clear indicator of a serious problem: both view TikTok as a national security threat and a danger to children's mental health.

So, if you’re still using TikTok, I strongly urge you to delete the app and move on. Or not—it's your choice. Just recognize that it may be dulling your intellect. We all have our vices; be honest about yours.

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to subscribe, hit the bell icon, and follow my TikTok for more outrageous stories. Join over 2000 people on my Substack for a limited copy of my new eBook "Gold2.0."

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