TikTok’s influence is extend beyond the social sphere. Applications are increasingly being used for the types of internet searches that people often rely on on web search engines. The video-based social app may not seem like the best place to find answers to your burning questions, but many users have chosen it to find bars and restaurants to visit. , movies to watch or clothes to wear. It’s a trend that interests companies like Google a little more. The app’s popularity has also sparked criticism from US lawmakers, who have cited security concerns over the app and have even introduced legislation calling for a ban on TikTok. nationwide.
This week on Gadget Lab, WIRED’s Lily Hay Newman joins us to discuss why all kids are using TikTok to search and find out if a Chinese company’s app ownership Does the country really make it a threat to national security?
Show notes
Read Lauren’s story about her week of use TikTok for search. This is Lily on TikTok security threats. Follow all WIRED coverage of TikTok.
Recommendations
Lily introduces essay collection “You don’t have to understand this”: how 26 lines of code changed the world, edited by Torie Bosch. Lauren recommends the book I’m so glad my mother died by Jennette McCurdy. Mike recommends classic seasons of the show Which doctor?but you can search on BritBox.
Lily Newman can be found on Twitter @Lily. Lauren Goode is @Lauren Goode. Michael Calore is @snack war. Bling main hotline at @UtilitiesLaboratory. The show is produced by Boone Ashworth (@booneashworth). Our theme music is by solar key.
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