Digital Social Hour: TikTok Ban Explained - What's Next for Social Media? | Emily Austin DSH #1134

Release Date: January 22, 2025

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Emily Austin

Introduction

In this episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes Emily Austin, a prominent figure known for her outspoken views on social media censorship and political discourse. The conversation delves deep into the impending TikTok ban and explores the broader implications for the social media landscape, free speech, and political polarization.

Social Media Censorship and Free Speech

Emily and Sean kick off the discussion by addressing the growing concerns around censorship on major social media platforms. Emily expresses her frustration with the restrictive policies of companies like Apple and TikTok, emphasizing her desire to boycott products she disagrees with.

Emily Austin [15:07]: "I will never have an Android. You heard it. Unless Elon does. I would get Elon's phone. I would trust Elon with my life."

Emily highlights the ongoing debate about free speech on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, questioning the motives behind bans and content suppression.

Emily Austin [08:18]: "If you violate guidelines and you're being a vile monster, you don't deserve to make money off of your hatred. And if you know what you signed up for when you sign the guidelines, like, you won't make money off of it. They're still getting millions of views. That's not censorship."

The TikTok Ban: Implications and Future Outlook

The core of the episode revolves around the potential ban on TikTok in the United States. Emily discusses the geopolitical tensions influencing this decision, particularly concerns over data privacy and alleged Chinese government surveillance.

Emily Austin [15:28]: "Personally, I would rather see it banned if they don't ban it. Amazing. Let's just bring it into somebody more responsible's hands for freedom of speech."

She speculates on the possible outcomes post-ban, including the acquisition of TikTok by more politically aligned entities like Elon Musk, hoping for a platform that better balances free speech with responsible content moderation.

Emily Austin [16:16]: "If somebody like Kevin O'Leary or Elon Musk were to buy it, I think that they would balance that out like Elon did with X."

Political Polarization and Social Media's Role

Emily and Sean transition into a broader discussion on political polarization amplified by social media. They critique movements like Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), arguing that these initiatives have contributed to societal division rather than unity.

Emily Austin [07:05]: "BLM was a huge scam. I'm like, where's the outrage? Because Black Lives Matter didn't actually improve any black lives."

Emily Austin [11:36]: "DEI is racist in itself. The definition of racism is segregating people by their skin color or now it's religion or race. But what's more racist than saying, okay, you're going to get this because of your skin color or because of your religion."

She further discusses the impact of these movements on public institutions like the NBA, suggesting that political agendas have overshadowed sports and led to a decline in genuine advocacy.

Personal Experiences with Censorship and Safety Concerns

Emily shares her personal struggles with frequent bans on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter, attributing them to her outspoken political views.

Emily Austin [09:08]: "Literally every week and I get it back, and then I'm banned again."

She also touches upon safety concerns in urban environments, particularly in New York City, critiquing the effectiveness of law enforcement and the resulting public sentiment.

Emily Austin [17:14]: "New York's becoming like a shithole. And Governor Hochul is like, how do we solve? How do we make the state a better place? Let's forget the violence on the subway and let's increase the price for commuters."

The Future of Social Media and Political Discourse

The conversation shifts to envisioning the future of social media amidst increasing regulation and political influence. Emily advocates for platforms that prioritize free expression while maintaining accountability for harmful content.

Emily Austin [25:30]: "It's not an accurate system. They need to come up with something else or just not do it at all, honestly."

She underscores the importance of transparency in political polling and its influence on public perception, criticizing the reliability of current polling methods.

Emily Austin [25:24]: "Where do they get these numbers from? You know what I want to know when they say that they poll people. I've never been called."

Critique of Public Figures and Media Personalities

Emily offers her candid opinions on various public figures, including Candace Owens, Ben Shapiro, and Andrew Tate, highlighting what she perceives as their inconsistencies and hypocrisies.

Emily Austin [27:55]: "Candace Owens is a nothing without Ben Shapiro. And now she's, like, spitting on the plate that gave her food. She's just an ungrateful woman."

She also discusses the influence of media personalities in shaping public opinion and the dangers of aligning too closely with extremist views for fame and attention.

Concluding Insights and Takeaways

In wrapping up the episode, Emily emphasizes the critical junction at which social media stands today. The potential TikTok ban symbolizes broader struggles between regulation, free speech, and corporate responsibility. Both Emily and Sean agree that the future of social media will significantly impact political discourse and societal cohesion.

Emily Austin [34:52]: "Time will tell, right? I think the truth always comes out eventually."

Emily encourages listeners to remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for transparent and fair social media practices to safeguard free speech and truthful discourse.

Stay Connected

To keep up with Emily Austin and her latest insights on social media and political discourse, you can follow her on:

• Instagram: @EmilyR.Austin
• X (Twitter): @EmilyR.Austin

Digital Social Hour continues to bring unfiltered and thought-provoking conversations with influential figures shaping our digital and social landscape. Subscribe to stay informed and join the dialogue on the pressing issues of our time.