The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (H.R. 7521), better known as the “TikTok Ban” mandated that the Chinese company, ByteDance, sell the beloved app within six months, before being banned from all U.S. stores and websites. This episode explores the impact of the TikTok ban and the subsequent turn to a similar social media platform, Red Note. There is stigma surrounding the Chinese app and US relations, which furthers the fact that Asian discrimination is still at the forefront of society, especially following COVID. In addition, as users have flocked to Red Note, many posting about diverse subjects such as LGBTQ culture have found messages that they are violating guidelines set by the Chinese government. How are “Tik Tok Refugees” reacting? Despite the challenges posed, we also discuss the more positive impacts, such as the cross-cultural interaction on Red Note between American and Chinese users.
Guests:
Sarah Bimo
Sarah Bimo is a PhD candidate in the Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture, at York University and Toronto Metropolitan University, which partner to provide a unique student experience. This program focuses on researching contemporary issues in communication and culture through academic and professional work. Sarah is particularly interested in studying digital culture, algorithmic media, and online identity. Sarah has published research in works like “TikTok and the Algorthimized Self: A New Model of Online Interaction” and “Why’s Everyone on TikTok Now? The Algorithmized Self and the Future of Self-Making on Social Media,” where she discusses differences in self presentation and identity management found on TikTok as opposed to other social networking sites such as Instagram and Facebook.
Aparajita Bhandari
Aparajita Bhandari is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the University of Waterloo. Aparajita began her academic journey at the University of Toronto, earning a BSc. in Psychology with minors in Statistics and Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health. Her curiosity about technology's role in shaping society later led her to Cornell University, where she earned her MSc. and Ph.D. in Communication. Aparajita's interdisciplinary background now informs her unique approach at the intersection of critical internet studies, feminist media studies, and cultural theory.