Our generation wakes up and goes to bed with our phones! Random videos keep playing in the back of our minds like a vinyl record on repeat.
While scrolling TikTok, did you ever feel that those quick videos were, in fact, planned to present themselves on your screen? That's right! TikTok is more than just dances and jokes—it's influencing politics now!
If you're curious about how this app could influence the 2024 elections, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the wild world of TikTok and discover how it's gearing up to win—or lose potentially—the next election.!
TikTok 101: More Than Just Dance Videos
So, what's TikTok? TikTok is an app where you can watch funny videos, dance challenges, and... political stuff? Yep, you heard it right!
- TikTok login is super easy
- TikTok download numbers are through the roof
- TikTok app is on almost every GenZ's phone! At least 67% of teens use the social media app.
Is that all there is to it? TikTok is also the child of ByteDance. And that's where things get interesting!
ByteDance Stock Drama: What's The Tea?
ByteDance Ltd, the company behind TikTok, is in hot water. Why? Some folks think TikTok is just a cover for Chinese propaganda. Sounds like scary stuff, right?
- The US government is worried about ByteDance sharing data with China
- ByteDance stock is on a rollercoaster ride because of this drama
- People are saying TikTok isn't the safest, especially with the security of the United States on the line!!
TikTok Ban: Is It Happening Anytime Soon?
You might have heard rumors about a TikTok ban. But what's the real deal?
- Congress wants to ban TikTok. Congress has a legit bill in passing!
- Is TikTok banned? Not yet, but it's a possibility. 50% of Americans favor the idea.
- Here's an important question: Are TikTok users seeing political stuff before the 2024 elections?"
Chinese Anti-American Propaganda: What's the Fuss?
Now, here's something to think about- Chinese anti-American propaganda. Some people think TikTok could be used to spread this stuff.
- US intelligence says Chinese accounts targeted political candidates in 2024
- There's worry about TikTok being used to mess with US elections
- It's not just about funny videos anymore!
TikTok Viewer Stats: Who's Watching What?
Let's look at some numbers:
- More than half of young Americans use TikTok weekly
- 50% of youth (ages 18-34) are TikTok fans. They are against the TikTok ban!
- Only 7% of users post political stuff, but lots of people see it
TikTok Videos: When Trends Turn Political
More and more young voters are getting their news straight from TikTok!
- Political content can go viral super fast
- Young voters are getting their news from TikTok
- Even politicians are trying to make cool TikTok videos
What's more? If TikTok vanishes, 90% of creators will migrate to other apps for the same thing!
TikTok Followers: The New Political Currency?
Do you know what it means to have power in this day and age? Having lots of followers in real life and on reels! The same logic applies to TikTok... and politics:
- Politicians want more TikTok followers
- More followers mean more people see your message
- But is it safe to rely on TikTok for political stuff?
Voter Turnout: Can TikTok Get People to Vote?
Let's ask ourselves: Can TikTok get more people to vote?
- TikTok is great at spreading messages fast
- Young people love TikTok, and content creators are chasing them! Politicians, on the other hand, are chasing them all.
- But will TikTok videos actually get people to the voting booth?
Maps and Data: Making Sense of It All
Want to understand how TikTok is impacting elections? Choropleth maps can help!
- These maps show data using colors
- You can see how TikTok use varies across the country
- It's a cool way to present election info
Will TikTok Play a Role in 2024 Presidential Elections?
So, what will happen with TikTok and the 2024 elections? Nobody knows for sure, but it's going to be interesting!
- Will TikTok still be around?
- How will politicians reach young voters if TikTok is banned?
- What new apps might pop up to take TikTok's place?
Your Turn: Get Involved and Stay Informed!
Want to dive deeper into this TikTok election stuff? Here's what you can do:
1. Stay updated on TikTok news
2. Think critically about the political content you see
3. Use tools like Rizzle's Text-to-Maps to visualize election data
Speaking of Rizzle's Text-to-Maps, it's an awesome tool for creating those choropleth maps we discussed.
If you're a political whiz, YouTuber, or news guru, you might want to show this info in a cool way. Choropleth maps are the best choice for this!
So, what do you think? Is TikTok going to change how elections work? Keep watching, keep thinking, and maybe even make your own TikTok about it!