Axis Conversations Roundtable: TikTok Censorship, The Rise of Sad Music, and Antisocial Media
Jan 30, 2026
Discussion of TikTok's new U.S. ownership and worries about changing moderation. Conversation about streaming data showing sad, angsty songs topping the charts. Examination of algorithms making people feel lonelier and feeds becoming less social. Quick cultural notes on trends from free-soloing stunts to shifting fashion tastes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Emoji Masks Cross‑Generational Tone
- The slightly smiling face emoji often reads as masked annoyance to younger users while older users see it as polite or neutral.
- Evan Barber's frequent use of it caused visible friction, showing cross-generational emoji misinterpretation.
Talk About Emoji Meanings First
- Ask your teen what the emojis you use mean to them before assuming shared meaning.
- Use conversation to avoid accidental tension from mismatched emoji readings.
Swift Outrage Follows Platform Glitches
- TikTok glitches sparked immediate censorship fears after its sale, mixing technical explanations with political anxiety.
- The hosts note we often demand instant answers from platforms, which fuels conspiratorial conclusions.