BOSTON – Lawmakers in Congress have impeached TikTok’s CEO amid growing calls to ban the social media app in the US.
“I think the impact is going to be severe,” said Lifetime content creator AJ Hernandez. “TikTok is the era of social media today.”
For Hernandez (@AJHisnandez), TikTok is more than just a fun way to pass the time. This is his side hustle and an outlet for him to express himself.
“Without that, they definitely feel like they’re being held back and there’s nowhere else to go,” Hernandez said.
With 1.2 million followers, Tommy Guarino (@TommyGuarino) has become what has been called “TikTok fame,” at least here in Massachusetts. He relies on apps and scrolling users to secure brand deals and sponsorships.
“I don’t think it should be done right to take it away from people and creators who have built a full-time life out of this space,” he told WBZ from his East Boston apartment. “Then again, I want to confirm that I am not fully educated on the situation.”
With 2.8 million users in Massachusetts, House lawmakers are concerned about TikTok and its parent company’s relationship with China.
“Is ByteDance spying on Americans,” asked Congressman Neal Dunn (R-Florida) during the congressional hearing.
“I don’t think surveillance is the right way to describe it,” replied TikTok CEO Shou Chew.
But the power of the app is undeniable. Some businesses can profit from TikTok indirectly, such as Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar.
CBS Boston
“Every time the mac and cheese is posted, you see an influx of mac and cheese coming in tickets,” says Chef Lambert Givens.
Translate views and preferences into customers and orders.
“It’s, it’s hard,” added Chef Givens. “You’re taking the real part of the business.”
One creator argued that the ban on TikTok is not a big deal. There are many platforms, he said, to pivot and make money.
“They’re going to find somewhere else to spend their time,” says food content creator Marwa Osman (@BostonFoodList). “One more thing will appear in its place.”
Others told WBZ-TV that people’s ability to express themselves should not be limited by the government.
“With freedom of speech, I think it should be at the forefront of everything,” Guarino said.
