TikTok’s influence is also huge far beyond the social sphere. The app is increasingly being used for the types of internet searches that people typically rely on web search engines for. Video-based social apps may not seem like the best place to find answers to your burning questions, but many users have turned to them as their go-to tool for finding bars and restaurants, watching movies or getting dressed. This trend has companies like Google very worried. The app’s popularity has also drawn dissatisfaction from U.S. lawmakers, who cited security concerns about the app and even proposed legislation calling for a nationwide ban on TikTok.
This week at Gadget Lab, WIRED’s Lily Hay Newman joins us to discuss why all the kids are using TikTok for their searches, and dig into whether the fact that a Chinese company owns the app really makes it a national security threat.
show notes
Read Lauren’s story about her week of searching on TikTok. Here’s Lily’s take on the TikTok security threat. Follow all of WIRED’s coverage of TikTok.
suggestion
Lily Recommended Composition Collection “You Shouldn’t Understand This”: How 26 Lines of Code Changed the World, edited by Torie Bosch.Lauren recommends this book i’m glad my mom died By Jennette McCurdy.mike recommends the classic season of the show doctor whoyou can find it on BritBox.
Lily Newman can be found on Twitter @lily newman. Lauren Goode is @Lauren Goode. Michael Calore is @fast food wars. Bling’s main [email protected]gadget lab. The show is presented by Boone Ashworth (@Burnashworth). Our theme music is composed by Solar Keys.
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