The prospect of banning TikTok in the United States has been a topic of fierce debate for years. Concerns about data security, national sovereignty, and the app’s connection to the Chinese government have prompted legislators to push for restrictions or outright bans that could take place by January 19th in the US, depending on a pending decision from their Supreme Court. However, the very demographic most affected by such actions, teens and young adults, seems to be responding in a way that few policymakers might have anticipated – they are downloading other Chinese apps as a form of protest and, more intriguingly, what we see as a form of malicious compliance. So why is this phenomenon occurring, what it signifies, and what lessons policymakers and parents can take from it.
Malicious compliance is a term used to describe when individuals follow rules or demands so literally or excessively that their compliance undermines the intent of those rules. It’s often a form of subtle rebellion, where the act of “obeying” is designed to highlight perceived absurdity, unfairness, or hypocrisy.
In the case of TikTok, teens and young adults are keenly aware of the broader societal and political controversies surrounding the app. Rather than passively accepting a potential ban, some are downloading alternative apps from Chinese developers, such as RedNote, CapCut, or Lemon8, as a way to say, “If TikTok is banned for being Chinese-owned, what about these apps?”
So Why Are Teens and Young Adults Doing This?
- For many, social media is more than just entertainment; it’s a cornerstone of their social lives, creativity, and personal expression. The prospect of losing access to TikTok feels like a violation of their autonomy. Downloading similar apps is a way to reclaim control over their online experiences.
- Many young people view the potential TikTok ban as performative politics – an attempt to gain favour by appearing “tough on China” rather than addressing broader issues of data privacy or the monopolistic tendencies of tech giants. By downloading other apps from Chinese companies, they’re calling attention to what they see as the inconsistency or inadequacy of these policies.
- Teens and young adults are highly attuned to trends, especially those that align with their values. Malicious compliance offers a way to both rebel and bond with others over shared frustration, creating a sense of collective resistance.
Apps like CapCut, which offers advanced video editing tools, or Lemon8, a lifestyle and shopping-focused platform, (both owned by ByteDance a Chinese based company that also owns TikTok) align well with the content creation habits of TikTok users. Curiosity about these alternatives provides a practical motivation, even if the initial download is driven by defiance.
While downloading additional apps might feel like a clever act of rebellion, it isn’t without risks. Many of the same concerns surrounding TikTok, such as data collection, privacy issues, and potential foreign influence, apply to these alternatives. By increasing the number of apps tied to the same Chinese based ecosystem, users may inadvertently amplify their exposure to vulnerabilities.
This response also raises questions about the efficacy of legislative approaches to online safety. Banning a single app without addressing systemic issues like data regulation and user privacy across all platforms is unlikely to resolve the root concerns.
Some thoughts for Policymakers based upon the malicious compliance we are presently seeing:
- Teens and young adults are demonstrating that bans targeting specific apps are ineffective without broader regulations. Policymakers should focus on universal standards for data security and privacy across all platforms, regardless of ownership including those based in North America.
- Young people are not passive recipients of policy, they are active participants in shaping digital culture. Policymakers must involve them in discussions about online safety, not dismiss their concerns or assume compliance.
- Singling out specific apps without addressing the practices of other platforms (many of which also engage in extensive data collection) fosters skepticism and resistance. A consistent approach to online safety will earn more respect and compliance.
Parents and caregivers should view this trend as an opportunity to discuss broader digital literacy topics with their teens, including data privacy, security, and the implications of app ownership. Rather than framing these apps as “bad” or inherently dangerous, focus on teaching critical thinking and responsible online behaviour. These conversations can empower young people to navigate the digital world thoughtfully, rather than reactively.
The rise of malicious compliance through the current trend of downloading Chinese apps is a fascinating example of how young people can wield technology as a tool of resistance. It underscores the need for policies that go beyond performative measures to address the real challenges surrounding the use of technology. For parents and policymakers alike, it’s a reminder of the importance of engaging with, rather than dictating to, youth and young adults.
The trend of teens and young adults downloading alternative Chinese apps in response to potential TikTok bans highlights a deeper, multifaceted issue at the intersection of technology, politics, and youth culture. This phenomenon of malicious compliance serves as a powerful statement against perceived inconsistencies in policymaking, demonstrating the active role young people play in shaping digital culture and resisting top-down decisions they find unreasonable.
For policymakers, this is a call to move beyond symbolic gestures and adopt comprehensive strategies that address systemic issues like data privacy and security across all platforms. Engaging youth in meaningful dialogue about these policies can foster trust and more effective outcomes. For parents, this trend underscores the importance of promoting digital literacy and critical thinking, enabling young people to make informed decisions about their online behaviours.
Ultimately, this moment serves as a reminder that young people are not merely passive consumers of technology but active participants in its evolution, capable of using it to assert their autonomy and challenge the status quo. A collaborative approach that respects their voices will not only strengthen online safety but also bridge generational gaps in understanding the onlife world
As the January 19th TikTok deadline approaches, the debate over TikTok will continues and one thing is being made clear – teens and young adults will not be silent spectators. They are active participants in today’s onlife world, and their actions, even in defiance, reflect their values, frustrations, and hopes. As Brandon stated in his FaceBook posting on the App RedNote yesterday, “The scale of anti-government protests and public outrage over a possible TikTok ban, centred around free speech and personal choice, is hard to ignore. It’s quite remarkable.”
Related Article:
NOTE – We have attempted to read the RedNote privacy policy and we can’t given that it is written in Chinese. Given this fact, we DO NOT recommend that this app to be download on your device.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
