Introduction
The proliferation of online platforms has revolutionized digital culture, transforming in ways in which individuals interact, communicate and express themselves online. Numerous platforms have emerged which have changed the landscape of online media. The use of information and communication technology by the public makes the technological world so sophisticated. Through the use of social media platforms, individuals can easily engage, connect and share videos with each other. With the current technology, social media video-sharing platforms are only downloadable via smartphones. TikTok, formally established as Musical.ly, has caught the attention of young viewers throughout the world due to its unique users to share their creative videos to their external environment and compile external audiovisual content.
However, despite its rise and popularity in many countries since its establishment, it has raised serious concerns pertaining to the privacy and security of the states and other claims that it is not good for the young generation. Due to these claims, most countries have banned the application from devices. In recent years, the United States initiated legislation to ban TikTok on claims that it is a threat to the national security and privacy of its citizens. The app is also under regulatory scrutiny in a number of countries because of data privacy and hosting immoral content that does not align with values and morals. The bans have associated impacts on digital culture and privacy. This research paper aims to examine in detail the background and rise of TikTok and the impact it has in contemporary digital culture through the use of secondary sources and case studies from various databases. The research will pick a number of peer review articles that discuss the rise and the ban of TikTok. Also, the research will analyze demographic use, which will contribute to how it has impacted the digital culture and the consequences which might arise in the event of banning the app in the united states.
Overview and background
TikTok is one of the popular video-sharing applications owned by ByteDance Ltd, a private Chinese company that has its main headquarters in Beijing. The app was launched in September 2013 under the name “Douyin” for the Chinese market. In its initial stages of development, the app only focused on the Asian market, such as Japan and Korea, which shares a common cultural feature. The app was unable to conquer the American and European markets, but the acquisition of a similar platform, musical.ly, was the most important step towards expanding the US market.
Due to the strong competition from Musical.ly, TikTok did however not compete directly with it. Instead, it used capital to turn competitors into alliances. For instance, it paid musical.ly US$1 billion and signed an acquisition agreement that paved the way and opened up overseas markets (Zeng et al., 2021). The company’s success in Europe and USA wa due to its focus on Gen Z. It is estimated that over 60% of TikTok users belong to the Generation Z cohort. According to a user report researched in 2021, 60% of adults in the US use the platform on a daily basis (Zeng & Kaye, 2021). A survey conducted by Ofcom media regulator in the United Kingdom revealed that almost half of the children aged 5-15 years used TikTok in 2020 to watch short videos.
The covid 19 lockdowns in 2020 opened a good space for the app to experience tremendous growth and cover a wider market. The app presented itself as an important source of lockdown entertainment and learning materials where it managed to attract older populations and adults of all occupations. In addition to the lockdown and Covid 19 related measures, technological and algorithmic features of the platform are also key factors towards its growth. Its machine learning-enabled algorithm does not require users to follow creators, but it decides what to feed users as they scroll through a never-ending video (Al-Maroof et al., 2021). To determine the types of videos it feeds its users, it uses three key algorithms, namely recommendation algorithm, content classification algorithm, and User profiling algorithm.
Despite the growth and global user base, it has been subject to criticisms and speculations about the ethics of the platform, its social, and cultural implications and its objectives. For instance, the platform has been accused of the excessive extraction of data and analysis practices which include unnecessary copying of user data from phones and collection of location information (Supak, 2020). Moreover, it has also been accused of holding immoral content which is harmful to society. For instance, in 2020, the platform, according to the BBC reports, had a substantial presence of extremist and libertarian groups in the United States.
Case Studies: Countries that Have Banned TikTok
Various countries have formulated proposals to ban the use of the app within certain geographical regions, majorly due to security issues concerned with the ban. India is one of the countries that banned TikTok in June 2020, along with other Chinese apps. The ban was triggered by border issues that brought about tensions between India and China (Chakraborty et al., 2020). The Government of India expressed concerns arising from the nature and TikTok algorithm for data security and transmission of user data from one country to another. In addition to this, there were worries about explicit content transmitted via TikTok and cyberbullying. The ban had a significant impact on the Indian market and digital culture in India.
Pakistan also banned TikTok in October 2020 over concerns that it spread immoral and indecent content. The communication authority of the country received numerous complaints about TikTok that it promoted vulgarity and indecency .The ban was, however lifted after a comprehensive mechanism to moderate content was initiated with TikTok that meets the local laws .The use can be wise such as using it in disseminating critical information such as the medical field(.Basch & Jaime, 2020). The same concerns also motivated Indonesia to ban TikTok over explicit and blasphemous content and also spread of hate speech in the country .The Indonesian Government required TikTok to establish a physical office in the country to address such concerns, therefore, emphasizing the importance of accountability and physical presence .
In the United States, TikTok has gained a wider market, and its ban is significantly affecting the digital culture and security concerns. In 2020, the Trump administration issued an executive order aimed at banning TikTok and WeChat in the country. The primary reason for this is due to the exploitation of user data by the Chinese Government via the platform’s parent company, ByteDance, headquartered in China. In addition, the app has been used to transmit political discourses, which results in violence in the country (Guinaudeau, 2020). The subject has brought a heated debate, with Montana being the first state in the US to ban TikTok use and make it illegal for app stores to offer TikTok but not ban those who already have the app. The lawsuits of the TikTok company cite the action as a violation of the constitutional First Amendment right to free speech (Pearlstein & Dellamore, 2023). According to the company’s lawsuits, the ban was unconstitutionally shutting down the speech forum for all the users of the app. According to CBS News, the app is the most popular platform used in America and is used by almost half of the American population. Banning it might be impossible. However, congress has three concerns that motivate its ban; TikTok collects user data, kids get addicted as a result of spending more time on the platform and individuals can find misinformation and violence through using the app.
The Effects of the Ban on Digital Culture
The ban on TikTok as a communication platform has had a significant impact on digital culture. For instance, India’s ban, which had a significant number of users surpassing 200 million, had an effect on content creation and consumption patterns. The ban in India led to the development of alternative platforms like Moj and Chingari. These platforms aimed at filling the gap left by TikTok; they were challenged with maintenance of a comparable user base and maintenance of the same level of engagement. The ban prompted content creators to explore other platforms, resulting in a shift in digital culture and the creation of new content ecosystems.
Although the United States had not or has not completely banned TikTok, the potential ban in 2020 and the Montana ban had significant implications for digital culture. The uncertain future of TikTok led to a sense of urgency among content creators to diversify their online presence and explore alternative platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Consumer habits are greatly affected, given that the majority of organizations depend on such a platform for marketing purposes. The discussions surrounding the ban also prompted a broader conversation about data privacy, national security, and the influence of foreign-owned social media platforms on digital culture.
The ban will have an effect on influencer marketing in the united states and other countries where the app has a wide user base. TikTok has become a powerful platform for influencer marketing, enabling brands to reach and engage with younger audiences. According to CBS News, Baedri Nichole, founder of a bakery in Columbus, Ohio, testifies that the platform has tough her e-commerce, shipping and pitching clients. When the ban is imposed, influencer marketing will experience significant changes as marketers will have to find alternative platforms and strategies to connect with their clients. Brands have already begun using this platform to promote their products through the use of challenges. Challenges are popular on the platform and encourage users to create their own videos based on a certain topic or duplicate a particular dance. Brands start their campaign with influencer marketing by organizing a challenge around a specific product but then watch it spread among other people. The ban, therefore, limits such activities from taking place.
Conclusion
TikTok is a growing and influential platform in most of the countries. Due to its marketing strategies, the app has managed to expand its coverage in most of the countries. However, with its parent company, is based in China, the app has experienced scrutiny in most countries where it is being threatened with being banned. Most countries, such as India and Pakistan, imposed a ban on the app, citing concerns that it collects user data which is dangerous to the security of the country. The United state also threatened to ban the app during the Trump administration. Some states, like Montana, imposed a ban that has significantly affected the digital culture and limited the sharing of information. These bans have also resulted in a disruption of content creation patterns, influenced user engagement, and spurred the emergence of alternative platforms. Content creators and influencer marketers have been forced to diversify their presence across platforms, adapting to the changing landscape and exploring new avenues for expression. The ban has also raised discussions about data privacy, national security, and cultural values resulting in a broad conversation on the role played by social media platforms and their impact on digital culture. As countries navigate the complexities of regulating platforms like TikTok, it is crucial to consider the evolving digital landscape, user behaviour, and the need to strike a balance between addressing concerns and fostering a vibrant digital culture.
References
Al-Maroof, R., Ayoubi, K., Alhumaid, K., Aburayya, A., Alshurideh, M., Alfaisal, R., & Salloum, S. (2021). The acceptance of social media video for knowledge acquisition, sharing and application: A comparative study among YouYube and TikTok users for medical purposes. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 5(3), 197.
Basch, C. H., Hillyer, G. C., & Jaime, C. (2020). COVID-19 on TikTok: harnessing an emerging social media platform to convey important public health messages. International Journal of adolescent medicine and Health, 34(5), 367-369.
Chakraborty, I., Kapoor, U., & Ilavarasan, P. V. (2020). There Is Nothing Real! A Study of Nonuse of TikTok in India. In Re-imagining Diffusion and Adoption of Information Technology and Systems: A Continuing Conversation: IFIP WG 8.6 International Conference on Transfer and Diffusion of IT, TDIT 2020, Tiruchirappalli, India, December 18–19, 2020, Proceedings, Part II (pp. 287-302). Springer International Publishing.
Guinaudeau, B., Vottax, F., & Munger, K. (2020). Fifteen seconds of fame: TikTok and the democratization of mobile video on social media. Unpublished paper. Disponible en Internet: https://osf. io/f7ehq/download [Consulta: 7 de Diciembre de 2020].
Pearlstein, D., & Dellamore, J. (2023). Montana is Trying to Ban TikTok. What Does the First Amendment Have to Say?
Supak, G. (2020). Political Posturing or a Move towards” Net Nationalism?”: The Legality of a TikTok Ban and Why Foreign Tech Companies Should Be Paying Attention. NCJL & Tech., 22, 527.
Zeng, J., & Kaye, D. B. V. (2022). From content moderation to visibility moderation: A case study of platform governance on TikTok. Policy & Internet, 14(1), 79-95.
Zeng, J., Abidin, C., & Schäfer, M. S. (2021). Research Perspectives on TikTok & Its Legacy Apps| Research Perspectives on TikTok and Its Legacy Apps—Introduction. International Journal of Communication, 15, 12.
The Fireman By Joe Hill Sample Assignment
The Fireman by Joe Hill explores the theme of resilience amid an overwhelming pandemic with terrifying consequences and spontaneous combustion caused by a deadly spore strain as it explores resilience amidst catastrophic pandemics in contemporary society. The book delves deeper into an unbreakable spirit of humanity as people rise to face extreme survival scenarios head-on while exploring key themes like fear, community strength and sacrifice with profound depth giving rise to valuable reflections on them throughout the storylines presented therein. This essay reflects Hill’s impressive techniques in presenting a rich narrative about resilience and its impact on humanity.
The Fireman is an insightful novel that offers valuable lessons on the human condition. In particular, it highlights the transformative power of hope through the character of Harper Willowes. Despite living in a spore-infected world filled with challenges, Harper finds strength in small acts of kindness and self-care. Hill vividly portrays this when he writes about how Harper reserves radishes and potatoes when she feels particularly low (Hill 2). This demonstrates that simple actions can nurture hope and resilience even in dire circumstances.
In The Fireman, human connection and community power stand out as crucial elements Hill explores. The characters in the book find themselves forced to rely on each other for their survival due to the decline caused by spore infection. John Rookwood emerges as a pivotal figure who creates an interdependent group called “Camp Wyndham.” This group is exceptionally close-knit, with members supporting and protecting one another (Hill 91). It represents unity and illustrates the potency of collective activity- something necessary amidst the chaos. Hill stresses that during tumultuous times like these depicted in her book, bonding becomes essential for survival; thus, forming connections is critical- proving teamwork can be valuable for tackling challenging circumstances.
Amidst the various struggles that populate Hill’s novel, it is clear that one common thread runs throughout most of its characters – an unrelenting display of resilience in their constant battle against challenging situations, with one figure standing out: John Rookwood. Despite encountering numerous obstacles and constantly living under the threat of explosions surrounding him, John maintains hope despite his weariness. Hill skillfully captures this sense of resilience amid strife when he writes, “One corner of his mouth turned up in a weary smile” (Hill 747). These lines bring to life how John stays positive and holds on tight through all that comes at him. Undoubtedly an indispensable part of resilience involves finding moments when optimism can shine through even during periods where all seems hopeless – A crucial takeaway from Hill’s representation in this novel which offers timeless insight into enduring hardships.
The novel highlights the importance of seeking help from others in times of need and building upon existing support systems. When dealing with difficult situations similar to Harper’s, characters realize their lack of capabilities; acknowledging this vulnerability magnifies their inclination to ask for help from trusted sources. Harper openly states her need for support by announcing, “I hate asking you for help. You will always do this” (Hill 326). This statement further denotes that requesting assistance is not an indicator of incapability but an indicator of trust and strength attached to depending on fellow beings during difficult times. This nuanced approach signifies how triumph over challenging situations cannot be singularly achieved but can instead happen through mutual bonding initiatives emphasizing collaborative efforts which foster supportive relationships.
The novel also portrays culturally significant themes of hope, human connection, sacrifice, and suspense, providing significant insight into the essence of human existence. The novel reminds the readers that hope has transformative powers in instilling their faith, while resilience comes from surrounding oneself with supportive community engagement. Additionally, it highlights the critical principle of selflessness in contributing to the larger societal good. Hill enhances these themes by interweaving them through thrilling narratives that challenge readers to evaluate their ability to handle demanding situations while seeking strength amidst adversity.
In conclusion, Hill delves extensively into exploring human resilience amidst great catastrophes through his novel. His relatable characters’ experiences exemplify how hope rooted in strong interpersonal connections nourishes personal growth while selflessness helps manage crises effectively by encouraging collective action from communities for mutual support in times of scarcity. The author skillfully employs suspenseful plot devices throughout the narrative, which leaves readers fully invested in the characters’ struggles while prompting significant introspection about their strength against hardships. The novel is a touching testament to human endurance throughout trying circumstances by illustrating its timeless significance- discovering the hidden meaning in everyday life experiences that inform one’s perception about humanity profoundly- beyond mere entertainment or escapism. This work emphasizes timeless lessons essential for personal growth, such as holding onto optimism even when everything seems bleak. It encourages human connection, fostering deeper bonds of compassion and mutual support. Hill’s work also emphasises the importance of making selfless compromises when necessary in a crisis. It ultimately highlighted the significance of collective action to overcome individual limitations.
Work Cited
Hill, Joe. The Fireman.
The Meaning Of Blackness In A Specific Latin American Country Sample College Essay
Introduction
Latin American interpretation of Blackness carries profound meaning due to its historic relationship with African enslavement and fights for justice. The essay will explore the multifaceted nature of Blackness within one Latin American nation, which also analyzes how race and ethnicity affect identity. This essay aims to clarify the ideological principles underlying marriage whilst examining how maroon communities formed initially and expanded over time. Furthermore, it scrutinizes how they function internally, analyzing any accords made during negotiation or treaty arrangements. Analyzing these aspects can give a deeper understanding of Blackness in Latin America. This exploration also highlights the ongoing struggles and contributions of Black individuals and communities in shaping the country’s cultural, social, and political landscapes.
Historical Context of Slavery in Latin America
Overview of African Slavery in the Region
Enslaved Africans were present in Latin America throughout its history from colonial times until abolition, and enslaved Africans played a pivotal role in supporting the extensive plantation economies set up by European nations like Spain and Portugal (Mellafe, 2022). The Atlantic transport of these Africans was done violently, and they were made to suffer brutal conditions during the Middle Passage. They faced dehumanizing and exploitative situations while working in plantations.
African bondage reached immense proportions in Latin America, as a large number of African individuals were forcibly taken to the region so they could work on coffee bean production. In contrast, others laboured on sugarcane or cotton farms. Slavery was a fundamental element in shaping Latin America’s socioeconomic Landscape; this included changes to the region’s demographics and labour practices.
Impact of Slavery on the socio-cultural Landscape
Latin America’s socio-cultural Landscape underwent significant changes due to the institution of slavery, and the diversity and vibrancy of Afro-Latin American cultures can be attributed largely to the contribution of enslaved Africans and their descendants (Mellafe, 2022). African cultures blended harmoniously with native and European influences to create an enriching cultural synthesis
Despite being subjected to some of the worst forms of violence and oppression known in history, these African people managed to preserve their cultures through various forms of resistance. Quilombos and Palenques were important spaces in which African culture was preserved in the face of oppression. Enslaved Africans used music, dance and spiritual practices to maintain their identities.
Nevertheless, the aftermath of slavery continues to linger throughout Latin American societies; even after abolition, a persistent system of racial hierarchy perpetuated unequal treatment. The continued marginalization of Black individuals and their communities has resulted in restricted access to crucial resources and social stigmatization. The legacy of slavery is evident in the continuing struggle against racism and discrimination in present-day Latin America.
Marronage: Flight to Freedom
Definition and significance of marriage
Marronage is the term used to describe enslaved people who ran away and created self-sufficient maroon communities outside their oppressor’s reach. It is a potent means by which to combat the institution of slavery while striving for autonomy and liberation (Roberts, 2019). Choosing marriage allowed enslaved Africans to reclaim their humanity by asserting their right to self-determination and freedom from the cruel conditions of slavery, and resilience and resistance were etched in the DNA of Marron communities whose unwavering spirit reflected that of enslaved Africans who refused to be subjected.
Exploration of maroon communities
Specific factors such as history or geography played a role in determining the size, organization and location of Marool Communities. Their preference for living in remote areas like swamps or mountains that were hard to access was because it helped them remain undetected and self-reliant, according to maroon communities can be found throughout the Americas, including mambos in Brazil and Garifuna communities in Central America (Igreja et al., 2021). People from various African backgrounds often formed these communities and introduced their customs, including language and tradition. The maroon community created alternative social structures and a unique system of governance, which led to them forging new identities rooted in shared goals.
Challenges faced by enslaved Africans in achieving freedom
The journey to obtain liberation through marriage was fraught with obstacles for enslaved Africans. According to Polgar et al. (2021), to flee plantation life, one must plan carefully in advance; individuals forced into enslavement faced the daunting task of navigating foreign environments while avoiding detection from slave patrol members or individuals who might give them away. The road to Maroon societies was dangerous, but Maroon community establishment did not eliminate challenges. Escaped enslaved people were commonly pursued by their owners using military expeditions and vicious strategies to eliminate their groups. It made life difficult for the Maroons, as slaveholders used violent threats to keep controlling the labour force and intimidate other enslaved individuals into not seeking freedom.
The Meaning of Blackness in Latin America
Influence of African Culture and Identity
African culture and identity have profoundly influenced the meaning of Blackness in Latin America (Adames et al., 2021). Through forced migration during the transatlantic slave trade era arose, many new cultural practices and artistic expressions, incorporating both indigenous and European cultures along with rich African traditions to create unique Afro-Latin American cultures.
Through their music, dance, cuisine and religious practices, African heritage is visible in various aspects of Latin American society Afro-Latin American musical genres like salsa, samba reggae and cumbia have achieved global recognition by blending African beats with local customs.
Perception and Treatment of Black Individuals in Society
The treatment and perception of Black people in Latin America’s culture have been shaped over time by historical events and deeply ingrained racial hierarchies (Adames et al., 2021). The existence of racial biases and colourist attitudes cannot be denied despite the multicultural heritage of this region leading to ongoing social inequalities. In Latin America’s society, there happens an unfair treatment of Black people that leads them to suffer from marginalization and limited resources, all due to systemic racism. Limited representation in positions of power significantly contributes to their higher poverty rates. Negative perceptions of Black people contribute to the erasure of their accomplishments.
Intersectionality of race, ethnicity, and nationality
Comprehending what it means to be Black in Latin America requires an understanding of how race intersects with both ethnicity and nationality, and social categories, including gender and class, intersect with Blackness to shape experiences of both privilege and discrimination (Adames et al., 2021). Discrimination that intersects in numerous manners is faced by communities embodying Afro-identity and indigenous identity. Additionally, the national context impacts how Blackness is perceived and defined in Latin America. Distinct histories, cultures, and racial discourses of countries within the region contribute to shaping Black individuals’ experiences and identities. Distinctive social landscapes faced by communities like the Afro-Dominicans or the Afro-Cubans shape how their Blackness is perceived and displayed. Grassroots organizations have undertaken attempts to challenge prevailing notions about Blackness in Latin America along with scholars and advocates focused on issues such as racial justice, with the objective of these efforts to challenge the prevalence of racist ideas by embracing the cultural heritage of Afro-Latin Americans as well as raising awareness about systemic injustice.
Ideological Bases of Marriage
Totalitarianism and its Role in perpetuating slavery
Totalitarianism had a major impact on the longevity of slavery in Latin American societies; as a rule, imposed on enslaved Africans by the colonial powers was brutal and characterized by strict control measures enforced coercion and dehumanization (Thompson, 2006). Subjugating African peoples was justified by the ideology of white supremacy and belief in European superiority. At the same time, the defining feature of totalitarian governance was a total grip on the state apparatus and suppression of differences in opinion. In order to ensure the subjugation of enslaved Africans, these regimes employed laws, regulations, and violence. Slaveholders were able to reinforce the power dynamics of totalitarianism by reducing enslaved individuals to mere properties that could be exploited for profit despite being denied their fundamental human rights.
Ideological motivations for enslaved Africans to escape
For many enslaved Africans escaping enslavement was not just a desire but also an ideological conviction, as a deep-rooted desire for freedom and autonomy inspired marriage since it aligned with human dignity (Thompson, 2006). Enslaved individuals’ willpower and valour in seeking liberation were strengthened by their conviction in the right to self-determination and opposition to the demeaning conditions imposed by slavery. Additionally, the legitimacy of the white supremacist ideology was contradicted by acts of resistance and rebellion made by enslaved Africans. Escaping from tyranny and founding maroon societies allowed these individuals to defy the devaluation of their lives under oppressive political structures, and their actions manifested a firm conviction in the equality and essential dignity of all individuals, irrespective of race.
Examination of different forms of marriage
Marronage had many different forms, which reflected the many tactics enslaved Africans used to win their liberation. Some enslaved people opted for solo marriage, running away alone and finding safety in isolated locations (Thompson, 2006). They frequently survived as lone fugitives. Others chose collective marriage, forging bonds with other enslaved people to free themselves together and creating communal maroon settlements. Palenques in Colombia and Panama, cumbes in the Caribbean, and quilombos in Brazil are a few maroon communities that arose as substitute sanctuaries of independence and resistance. These groups created their social structures, political institutions, and economic systems, laying the groundwork for their survival and resistance to the tyrannical effects of slavery.
Conclusion
The essay examined the historical context of slavery, the relevance of marriage, the view and treatment of Black people in society, and the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, and nationality related to Blackness in a particular Latin American nation. The essay has also covered the philosophical underpinnings of marriage, the emergence and growth of maroon communities, their structure, and the effects of their acts on the larger society. The study’s findings significantly impact understanding of Blackness’s intricate dynamics in Latin America. It helps a more thorough understanding of the historical experiences and contributions of Black populations in the area by highlighting the agency and resiliency of Black people and communities in the face of adversity.
References
Roberts, N. (2019). Freedom as marriage. University of Chicago Press.
Igreja, R. L., Santos, R., & Agudelo, C. (2022). Race and Racism in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Crossview from Brazil (Vol. 1). Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG.
Polgar, P. J., Lerner, M. H., & Cromwell, J. (Eds.). (2023). Beyond 1619: The Atlantic Origins of American Slavery. University of Pennsylvania Press.
Adames, H. Y., Chavez-Dueñas, N. Y., & Jernigan, M. M. (2021). The fallacy of a priceless Latinidad: Action guidelines for centring Blackness in Latinx psychology. Journal of Latinx Psychology, 9(1), 26.
Mellafe, R. (2022). Negro Slavery in Latin America. Univ of California Press.