On the face of it, it seems absurd. Why would people make decisions based on what they heard on an app affiliated with China’s Communist government?
Most people don’t view the phenomenon of TikTok influencers through that prism, yet that scenario aptly describes the choices made by millions of Americans each day. Above and beyond the question of whether the app should have anything to do with the Chinese government (and it shouldn’t) lie larger existential questions about the nature of 21st-century society.
Profligacy as Narcissism
A recent Wall Street Journal article examined the effects of TikTok on Americans under 30. The piece featured several disturbing quotes and examples of questionable financial behavior, based largely upon what so-called “influencers” do and say on social media:
One 20-something financial analyst said she uses a budgeting app “to be able to afford the things she feels she has to buy, like Lululemon leggings. ‘Between TikTok and having your friends around you, you’re pressured to buy the things because you want to fit in. … That’s always been the case, but with TikTok it’s more prominent.’” “Some 91% of Gen Zers say they have purchased something they saw on social media, according to a survey from Citizens Pay, a buy-now-pay later service.” “BreAunna Rodriguez, a 23-year-old mom of two in Houston, likes to buy TikTok-popular baby clothes and other small things for herself, including eyelash extensions, coconut oil mouthwash, and a pumice stone that influencers said reduces stretch marks. ‘It’s hard not
