Transcript
Aylee Weiss: “Tik Tok is one of the leading platforms American influencers use to generate revenue. Some of those influencers are more concerned than others about a threatening ban of the social media app. Syracuse influencer Quincy Whipple says the ban wouldn’t be ideal but could make it work.”
Quincy Whipple: “I feel like people follow you because of your personality and person and style. That doesn’t really change regardless of where you’re being shown.”
Weiss: “US TikTok and their Chinese parent company ByteDance have been sharing American user data according to investigation by the Wall Street Journal. This investigation is part of what led to the recent federal government investigation.”
Weiss: “With the government threatening to ban popular social media app, Tik Tok, 160 million American users wont be able to use it for inspiration, education or income.”
Weiss: “Lawmakers are afraid ByteDance could be forced by the Chinese government to hand over millions of Americans users data. Tik Tok was banned on government devices a year ago. This action raises concerns for social media influencer Hannah Krohne who relies on Tik Tok for income.”
Hannah Krohne: “I think it would kind of uproot the whole thing, my career specifically, has started on Tik Tok, it’s my main source of income. Even if I get a job post grad which I plan on doing Tik Tok will still be a bigger source of income than that will.”
Weiss: “While the future of TikTok remains uncertain, one thing is clear… the ban would have a significant impact on Tik Tok content creators and users alike. Aylee Weiss, N-C-C News.”
Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — In the realm of American social media influencers, TikTok stands as a pivotal platform for a revenue generation. However, with the potential threat of a ban on the horizon, concerns are mounting among its user base. One American influencer, Quincy Whipple from Syracuse, shares thoughts on the potential ban, suggesting adaptability amidst adversity.
“I feel like people follow you because of your personality and style,” said Whipple, reflecting on the connection between an influencer and their followers.
Recent investigations by the Wall Street Journal have revealed data-sharing practices between U.S. TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance, sparking federal government investigation and contributing to the current predicament. With the possibility of a ban, the estimated 160 million American users face the prospect of losing access to a platform that serves as a source of inspiration, education, and income.
Lawmakers express concern over ByteDance’s potential susceptibility to Chinese government pressures, citing concerns over the security of millions of American users’ data. Notably, TikTok was banned on government devices a year prior, signaling escalating tensions. For influencers like Hannah Krohne, whose livelihoods are intertwined with TikTok, the ban presents a formidable challenge.
“I think it would kind of uproot the whole thing, my career specifically, has started on Tik Tok, it’s my main source of income,” said Krohne, underscoring the platform’s integral role in her professional journey. “Even if I get a job post grad which I plan on doing Tik Tok will still be a bigger source of income than that will.”
As uncertainty clouds the future of TikTok in the United States, the potential ban casts a shadow over content creators and users alike, highlighting the profound impact it could have on the social media landscape.