We’re back! On Meta going MAGA, TikTok’s perilous future and NZ media in 2025
Jan 20, 2025
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Anna Rawhiti-Connell, a social media philosopher and contributor to The Spinoff, joins Duncan Greive to discuss significant shifts in social media. They dive into Meta’s controversial pivot towards a MAGA mindset and its implications for users and advertisers. The duo also tackles the uncertain future of TikTok in the U.S., analyzing its potential ban and privacy concerns. Lastly, they ponder Shayne Currie's predictions for New Zealand media in 2025, forecasting transformations amid evolving digital landscapes.
Meta's shift towards a permissive content moderation model poses risks for public discourse and challenges for advertisers in maintaining brand safety.
The uncertain future of TikTok in the U.S. highlights ongoing concerns about national security, data privacy, and shifting user preferences towards alternatives.
Deep dives
Changes in Meta's Approach to Speech Regulation
Meta has undergone significant changes in how it regulates speech on its platforms, notably by disbanding its fact-checking team. This move aligns with a broader trend in major tech companies adopting a more permissive stance towards controversial speech, reflecting a shift from a civic engagement approach to one resembling an authoritarian model. Mark Zuckerberg's decisions, reportedly influenced by ties to former President Trump, indicate a prioritization of speed and business efficiency over traditional fairness in content moderation. Critics highlight that the new policies disproportionately allow harmful rhetoric while shielding certain groups from scrutiny, raising concerns about the implications for public discourse.
The Potential TikTok Ban and Its Implications
The ongoing debate regarding the potential ban on TikTok has been highlighted by its recent temporary unavailability in the U.S., leading to a discussion about national security and data privacy. Legislators argue that TikTok poses a risk due to its Chinese ownership, linking it to concerns over user data access and potential manipulation of content. This situation underscores the complexities of geopolitical tensions, especially as it relates to social media and its influence on young audiences. Interestingly, the response seems to be a migration towards other Chinese-owned apps, suggesting that users are seeking alternatives, even in the face of potential bans.
Impacts of Regulatory Changes on Brand Safety
With Meta's removal of fact-checking processes and the allowance of more explicit content, brands are reconsidering their presence on these platforms. Advertisers, particularly those sensitive to public sentiments, face the challenge of navigating a potentially toxic environment devoid of rigorous oversight. As brands historically shy away from platforms perceived as unsafe, there is an increasing concern that corporate departures could escalate in response to the changing landscape. The risk of associating with controversial content poses a dilemma for companies committed to maintaining their reputations amid growing scrutiny.
Shifts in Audience Engagement on Social Media
Social media platforms have experienced a shift in audience engagement, particularly with the changing dynamics surrounding TikTok and Meta. The trajectory of user behavior indicates a potential fatigue with traditional platforms as users explore alternatives that allow for greater expression and creativity. This transition is seen as part of a broader reaction to the pandemic, where people are increasingly seeking authentic and engaging experiences outside conventional media norms. As younger audiences migrate to newer platforms, the implications for traditional brands and their strategies in the digital space become increasingly complex and uncertain.
The Spinoff’s resident social media philosopher queen, Anna Rawhiti-Connell, joins Duncan Greive to recap an epochal month in the geopolitics of social media. They talk about Meta’s hard pivot into the MAGA worldview, and what that might mean for audiences and advertisers. Then, examine the fraught status of TikTok in the US, and think about how it might play out. Finally they look at Shayne “Media Insider” Currie’s 25 predictions for 2025, and make their own predictions based on his predictions. All that, plus very quick hits on Luke Combs and SailGP.