In Focus

Just as we were throwing the proverbial dirt on TikTok’s grave next to Vine, MySpace, and AIM, it was back 12 hours later. And the conspiracies are thick.

Opening the app for the first time brought a message: “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.” This message was interesting, as he wanted this app banned a few years ago and imposed sanctions on it. Then he pulls a 180 and ‘saves’ the app? It seems very strange, even if it is just a 75-day deadline extension in hopes of getting a U.S. buyer.

Still, the app is no longer available on the Play Store for download. Those who decided to delete the app are upset they can’t redownload it. It has reached the point where people who have the app are selling their phones for thousands because some people are just that desperate for their mind-numbing content. 

The rumors are definitely flying. After the apps returned, Facebook/Meta now has a TikTok page. Strange. TikTok’s CEO no longer says CEO and controversies are spiraling over Meta buying TikTok. I was surprised when I went to sign in on my iPad and was forced to sign in through Facebook. That’s never happened before. 

One of the most popular streamers and philanthropists, Mr. Beast, aims to buy the app. Better him than Zuckerberg or Musk. Hilariously, as TikTok was banned, Meta stock dropped after it was found Meta is facing a massive lawsuit filed by advertisers for about $7 billion in damages for misrepresentation on how far their ads reach. And we know Meta sells our data and listens to us. How often do you talk about an item or product and jump on Facebook to see an advertisement for that very same item in just seconds?

Anyway, this will be a nasty lawsuit, and most users can’t help but laugh at Meta’s predicament. 

Then there are the content creators. Many posted heartfelt goodbyes just to come back awkwardly the next day. It is funny that some of these masked creators did unmasking videos. Now they’re shell-shocked that they have to actually ‘face’ their audiences. I cannot get over how many of them were female. 

Let’s not forget our new friends at Red Note, which is still not banned. Some of their users have found their way to U.S. TikTok, even Red Note. Sure, some may have left Red Note, but most are staying on and posting to both apps. The Red Note users are very friendly, and I enjoy their content. I plan on staying as long as I can. 

This will be an interesting situation to watch over the next few months. The battle of the social media apps will be very entertaining for sure.