As I scrolled through my feed and stumbled upon the news that TikTok will not be sold, ByteDance telling the US to essentially take a hike, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, there’s a sense of relief that the app I’ve grown accustomed to using won’t be disappearing from my life anytime soon. However, on the other hand, there’s a looming sense of uncertainty about what this decision means for the future of TikTok in the US.
The saga of TikTok’s potential sale has been ongoing for quite some time now, with the US government attempting to force ByteDance to divest its popular social media platform.… Continue reading
The news of Iraqi TikTok star Om Fahad, whose real name is Ghufran Sawadi, being shot dead in Baghdad is truly tragic and disheartening. It is reported that she was attacked by a lone person on a motorbike, pretending to be a food delivery person. Another woman was also injured in this cowardly act of violence. Fahad gained fame on TikTok for sharing videos of herself dancing to pop music, which earned her a considerable following. However, her success and freedom of expression were met with backlash, leading to her imprisonment for sharing videos deemed to undermine “modesty and public morality.”… Continue reading
As a resident of Wisconsin, the recent series of bomb threats faced by a middle school in our state has left me deeply disturbed. What is even more alarming is the connection these threats have to a TikTok account known as Libs of TikTok. This particular account has been identified as the source of numerous incidents where individuals or institutions mentioned in their posts subsequently received bomb threats or other forms of violent intimidation. It is appalling that such actions are being taken in response to mere social media posts.
The fact that these threats are targeting schools, libraries, hospitals, small businesses, and elected officials in multiple states is a cause for grave concern.… Continue reading
Steve Bannon suggests Donald Trump has been bought. As if this is groundbreaking news, the fact that Trump can be swayed by money or personal gain is not a shock to anyone who has been paying attention. From his business dealings to his time in office, it has always been clear that Trump is willing to do whatever it takes to benefit himself, even if it means sacrificing the well-being of the country he was elected to serve.
The recent shift in Trump’s stance on TikTok is a perfect example of his willingness to change his position based on financial incentives.… Continue reading
The news of former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin putting together an investor group to buy TikTok has stirred up strong reactions and concerns among the public. The idea of Mnuchin, a former government official, being involved in a deal to acquire a popular social media platform raises questions about conflicts of interest and the potential for exploitation. It’s unsettling to think that individuals who once held positions of power in the government could now be seeking to profit off of legislation and decisions they were involved in.
The previous attempts by the Trump administration to broker a deal involving U.S. corporations in the ownership of TikTok on national security grounds were met with scrutiny and skepticism.… Continue reading
As a concerned individual who is genuinely curious about the recent unanimous vote by US lawmakers to force the sale of TikTok, I can’t help but feel a sense of skepticism and confusion surrounding the decision. With all 52 members of the House Commerce Committee voting in favor of this action, one can’t help but wonder about the underlying motives behind such a bold move.
While some argue that TikTok poses a threat due to data privacy concerns and its Chinese ownership, there are valid questions to be raised about the necessity of such drastic measures. In a world where social media giants like Facebook and Twitter have faced their fair share of controversies regarding data privacy and security, it seems counterintuitive to single out TikTok for similar reasons.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the recent news that former President Trump suddenly doesn’t want to ban TikTok after meeting with an investor, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and disappointment. It seems like another glaring example of how easily influenced and swayed he is by the promise of money and personal gain.
Throughout his time in office, Trump has shown a consistent pattern of putting his own interests above those of the country. This stunning reversal on the Chinese-owned app speaks volumes about his lack of principles and integrity. It’s clear that he will say and do whatever serves him in the moment, without any regard for the impact on others or the greater good.… Continue reading
After Libs of TikTok posted, at least 21 bomb threats followed. This shocking news highlights the dangerous impact of social media and the need for accountability when it comes to online content. The fact that the woman behind this account was appointed to the Oklahoma library board raises further concerns and questions about the system in place to protect the public.
What is truly disturbing is the lack of prosecution for these bomb threats. It seems that there is a double standard when it comes to online behavior, especially when it involves hate speech and incitement to violence. If someone in their 20s can escalate their behavior to the point of making bomb threats without facing any consequences, then there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.… Continue reading
In the chaotic world of social media, it seems that anything is possible. And yet, every now and then, a piece of news comes along that leaves you utterly speechless. Today, I came across an article that left me questioning the state of our education system and the values that we hold dear. The headline read, “Libs of TikTok creator accused of inspiring school bomb threats named to state library board.” Yes, you heard that right. A person who has been accused of instigating bomb threats against a school library is now serving on a state library board.
Let’s delve into the details of this unbelievable story.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood