TikTok in China versus the United States

Introduction

TikTok, the popular social media platform, is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. Recently, an analysis highlighted the significant differences between the version available in China, known as Douyin, and the one accessible in the Western world. According to technology expert Harris, the Chinese version presents a stark contrast to its Western counterpart, particularly regarding its influence on the younger audience.

In Douyin, users under 14 years old are subjected to a content diet focused on educational materials. They are exposed to science experiments, museum exhibits, patriotism-themed videos, and other educational content. Furthermore, the app enforces a time limit, allowing only 40 minutes of use per day. This careful curation indicates that the Chinese version of TikTok is designed with the intent of fostering knowledge and personal development among its youth.

In contrast, the TikTok platform available in the West appears to prioritize entertainment over education. Critics argue that this version keeps children engaged for hours, leading to concerning effects on their development. A survey conducted among pre-teens in the U.S. and China reveals the differing aspirations of children in both countries. In the U.S., the most popular dream job for pre-teens is to become a social media influencer, while in China, the top aspiration is to become an astronaut. This disparity highlights how the content children consume can shape their goals and futures.

While TikTok does provide tools for users to limit their screen time, these options are purely voluntary and largely ignored by many. As Harris points out, one can predict the long-term societal impacts if these trends continue. The experience of children engaging with TikTok can indicate much about how future societies will be structured based on their aspirations and values.

Keywords

TikTok
ByteDance
Douyin
education
screen time
pre-teens
aspirations
social media influencer
astronaut

FAQ

Q: What is the main difference between TikTok and Douyin?
A: TikTok, used in the West, primarily focuses on entertainment, keeping children engaged for long hours, while Douyin, the Chinese version, emphasizes educational content and limits usage time for younger users.

Q: How does Douyin curate content for children?
A: Douyin provides educational videos, science experiments, museum exhibits, and other content while limiting usage to 40 minutes per day for users under 14.

Q: What are the top career aspirations for children in the U.S. versus China?
A: In the U.S., the most common aspiration among pre-teens is to become a social media influencer. In contrast, children in China predominantly aspire to become astronauts.

Q: Does TikTok provide tools for limiting screen time?
A: Yes, TikTok offers tools to limit screen time, but these tools are optional and not widely utilized by users.

Q: What potential societal impact could arise from the differences in content on TikTok and Douyin?
A: The differing content could lead to contrasting societal values and aspirations, potentially shaping future generations in divergent ways based on their engagement with these platforms.