Despite concerns from the U.S. political class about TikTok’s potential as a propaganda site, the reality is that Americans, especially young Americans, just aren’t that interested in politics. Data shows that voter turnout in the U.S. is low compared to other countries, and among voters aged 18-29, turnout is only around 23%. This raises questions about whether TikTok, a popular social media platform among young people, could really be a tool for political influencing as some critics suggest.
The fact that TikTok has over 170 million users, far surpassing the reach of traditional politics-focused websites, is a strong indication that it is not primarily used for political purposes. Its popularity among young people, who are often not very politically engaged, further supports the idea that TikTok is not a propaganda tool controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to influence American thought. In fact, if it were a political site, it is unlikely that it would have such widespread appeal among young users.
Even if TikTok were somehow linked to the CCP and intended to promote communist ideology, calls to ban it would still be unwarranted. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in the U.S., and banning a social media platform based on political beliefs would set a dangerous precedent. The sheer size of TikTok’s user base indicates that it serves a different purpose than political propaganda, and its success among young Americans highlights the fact that political engagement is not a top priority for many users.
Stories of TikTok being used for lighthearted content, such as a child asking his parent to dance on video, demonstrate the platform’s appeal as a fun and entertaining outlet rather than a serious political tool. While concerns about foreign influence in social media are valid, the evidence suggests that TikTok is not being used as a political prop by the CCP. Instead, it is a platform for creative expression and connection among users, particularly young people who may not be as interested in politics as older generations.
In a political climate where fear of foreign influence and disinformation runs high, it is important to distinguish between legitimate concerns and baseless accusations. While it is crucial to remain vigilant against threats to democratic processes, targeting platforms like TikTok without evidence of nefarious intent could have negative implications for free speech and expression. As the debate continues over TikTok’s role in American society, it is essential to base decisions on facts rather than fear.
