TikTok’s New Owner
With ByteDance officially stripped of its ownership, the question remains: who will take over TikTok? As of now, no confirmed buyer has been announced. The app’s valuation falls between $50 billion and $100 billion, making it an incredibly high-stakes acquisition. Only a small group of potential buyers have expressed interest, though none have publicly made a formal offer. Some of the speculated names include Elon Musk, Project Liberty, Meta, and even MrBeast—though many believe the latter is simply using the situation for publicity. Ultimately, only time will tell who secures ownership of TikTok.
TikTok Ban Theories
The TikTok ban has sparked countless theories regarding its motives and implications, many of which reach similar conclusions. One of the most prominent theories revolves around Trump himself. Some speculate that he negotiated with TikTok’s owners to stage a ban, only to later position himself as the "hero" who saved the app—a move perceived as a political stunt. Others believe the ban was orchestrated as a financial strategy for ByteDance to increase the app’s value, triggering protests from millions of users who argue the ban violates their First Amendment rights.
Another widely discussed theory suggests that the Chinese government has been manipulating TikTok’s algorithm to influence American users. Some claim that China intentionally promotes mindless, low-quality content to make American users "dumber" while prioritizing educational and skill-based content for Chinese audiences. This alleged strategy is believed to weaken critical thinking and productivity in younger generations, making them more susceptible to distractions and less engaged in important societal issues. While there is no definitive proof of this claim, it remains one of the leading concerns fueling government action against TikTok.
At the end of the day, regardless of the theories, preventing the ban’s progression may be impossible. When it comes to national security concerns, the government ultimately has the final say.