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This is really naive. These algorithms can be and are tuned to manipulate the audience. That being said, it’s not fair to single out TikTok. They all do it. Th

by api 2y ago

This is really naive. These algorithms can be and are tuned to manipulate the audience. That being said, it’s not fair to single out TikTok. They all do it. The only unique danger with TikTok is that it could be controlled by a foreign adversary, or at least could be more easily than the others.

shlant 2y ago
> That being said, it’s not fair to single out TikTok. > The only unique danger with TikTok is that it could be controlled by a foreign adversary, or at least could be more easily than the others. Isn't that the entire reason given for why they are singling them out? You say it's not fair then give the exact reason why it seems to be.
- ripply 2y ago
  I think they mean that those should also be banned, but this ban isn't about addictive technology, it's about China owning the addictive technology and being able to exert control over it if they wanted. I also am of the opinion that this addictive technology should be regulated, including domestic.
  - flkenosad 2y ago
    At least they should be clear it's about control.
joe200 2y ago
The danger with TikTok is that some already used it to influence elections (recently in Romania) so it is proven to be working.
- ethbr1 2y ago
  It's important to differentiate worries here. Issue #1: The platform owner itself uses the platform algorithm(s) to manipulate public opinion Issue #2: Third parties use the platform to manipulate public opinion (e.g. Romania) #1 could be solved by algorithmic transparency. #2 could be solved by more realtime transparency into content.
- UncleMeat 2y ago
  People not associated with the app developer publishing material on TikTok to influence elections works just as well on YouTube Shorts and Reels.
EasyMark 2y ago
It is fair to isolate TikTok becaues it is controlled by an adversarial world power. That's a lot different than facebook/instagram/etc pumping out addictive engagement tripe, which I think should have some serious limits on age availability using them, but that is an adjacent topic and not on the same level as a foreign power using the same techniques. The US government is giving them an out, which is to sell to a friendly foreign nation's company or to a US company, if TikTok won't take them up on it then it's time to cut them off.

by api 2y ago

shlant 2y ago

> That being said, it’s not fair to single out TikTok. > The only unique danger with TikTok is that it could be controlled by a foreign adversary, or at least could be more easily than the others. Isn't that the entire reason given for why they are singling them out? You say it's not fair then give the exact reason why it seems to be.

ripply 2y ago
I think they mean that those should also be banned, but this ban isn't about addictive technology, it's about China owning the addictive technology and being able to exert control over it if they wanted. I also am of the opinion that this addictive technology should be regulated, including domestic.
- flkenosad 2y ago
  At least they should be clear it's about control.

joe200 2y ago

The danger with TikTok is that some already used it to influence elections (recently in Romania) so it is proven to be working.

ethbr1 2y ago
It's important to differentiate worries here. Issue #1: The platform owner itself uses the platform algorithm(s) to manipulate public opinion Issue #2: Third parties use the platform to manipulate public opinion (e.g. Romania) #1 could be solved by algorithmic transparency. #2 could be solved by more realtime transparency into content.
UncleMeat 2y ago
People not associated with the app developer publishing material on TikTok to influence elections works just as well on YouTube Shorts and Reels.

EasyMark 2y ago

It is fair to isolate TikTok becaues it is controlled by an adversarial world power. That's a lot different than facebook/instagram/etc pumping out addictive engagement tripe, which I think should have some serious limits on age availability using them, but that is an adjacent topic and not on the same level as a foreign power using the same techniques. The US government is giving them an out, which is to sell to a friendly foreign nation's company or to a US company, if TikTok won't take them up on it then it's time to cut them off.