Uncanny Valley | WIRED TikTok Stole Our Hearts, But Can It Last?
Feb 6, 2025
The podcast dives into the intriguing rise of TikTok, tracing its evolution from Musical.ly and its cultural impact on Gen Z. The hosts analyze the app's unique algorithm and the challenges it faces amid political tensions and potential bans. They discuss national security concerns and the implications of foreign ownership on user data. Additionally, the influence of TikTok on the social media landscape is highlighted, showing how rivals are adopting similar features in response to its popularity.
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Favorite TikToks
- Lauren Good, Zoe Schiffer, and Michael Calore shared their favorite TikToks.
- These ranged from BookTok recommendations to moth girl videos and interpretive dances.
TikTok's Popularity
- TikTok, a Chinese social media app, boasts approximately 170 million monthly active U.S. users.
- It's particularly popular with Gen Z.
TikTok's Evolution
- TikTok originated from Musical.ly, a lip-sync video app ByteDance acquired and repurposed.
- It's evolved beyond its initial image to host diverse content.