Since when did the U.S. government decide which news outlets we have access to?
It appears the government has appointed itself the judge, jury, and soon-to-be executioner of the social media platform known as TikTok.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a bill that would force TikTok's parent company ByteDance to sell the app to a non-Chinese owner within six months.
Is the TikTok ban good or bad for travel?
On the other hand, some claim that it is perfect for traveling as it features videos of destinations around the world. But on the other hand, are we creating a false view of the place that is trying to influence tourism by contrasting with reality?
TikTok has 170 million users in the United States. It's safe to say that a significant portion of them are involved in travel in some way, whether it's exploring exotic, far-flung destinations or actually working in business. But just as many people – Including the President of the United States – TikTok is considered a national security threat due to its suspected ties to the Chinese government.
Travel companies, including advisors, are simply looking to increase brand awareness. Who are we to tell them how to do business? To say that banning this particular social media platform will have an impact would be an understatement.
Unfortunately, I think this will create a slippery slope for other businesses and industries. For me, it's just another way that travel informs, in a raw way, so to speak. Of course, there are other options. Content creators can use Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook, for example. But if this platform is banned, who's to say that those platforms might also be banned in the future?
Richie Karabrun, a professor of hospitality and tourism at New York University, told Phocuswire: Engagement rates are among the highest among Americans compared to other Americans. [social
media platforms]. This is actually more than an 800 pound gorilla. It's a huge beast and actually worked very well. ”
Let me be clear: once the ban is enforced, we will all be living without TikTok. This includes the travel industry, where much of the content is reused on other social media platforms. But why take the chance of alienating so much of your audience?
TikTok is a friend to the travel industry, shining a light on destinations, airlines, hotel rooms, cruise ship cabins, restaurants, and more.
TikTok can be polarizing, that's for sure. Some people love it. Some people dislike it, including those who believe it has undue influence on a subjective subject like travel.
And let's not even get into how the ban would affect the First Amendment and the entire concept of free speech.
At its best, TikTok is a celebration of travel.
Why take it away?
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