Tech Talk Y'all Tech's Wild Week: TikTok Bans, Microplastics, and AI Mysteries
Jan 17, 2025
This week dives into the chaotic aftermath of a looming TikTok ban as users scramble to switch to the Chinese app RedNote, facing a rocky migration. A wild ride continues with Elon Musk rumored to be a potential buyer. Environmental solutions are explored with research on bacteria that consume microplastics. Comedic narratives abound with lunar lander misadventures and a man’s absurd quest to recover lost bitcoin. Meanwhile, Walgreens faces backlash over its switch to smart fridge screens, raising eyebrows in the retail industry.
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RedNote's Data Harvesting
- RedNote is harvesting user data at unprecedented levels due to Chinese regulations.
- Duolingo saw a 216% increase in Mandarin learners due to RedNote's language barrier.
TikTok to RedNote
- TikTok users migrated to RedNote, a Chinese app, to avoid the US ban.
- However, it's entirely in Mandarin and has stricter content moderation.
Platform Communities
- Adam Walker observes distinct communities across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
- He finds TikTok's community more positive and engaging.