Category: TikTok (ByteDance)

TikTok Signs Agreements With Investors in Step Toward Avoiding a U.S. Ban

The Chinese-owned video app reached agreements with the software giant Oracle and two investment firms, Silver Lake and MGX, as part of a deal to keep TikTok operating in the United States.
The Ritual Shaming of the Woman at the Coldplay Concert

Kristin Cabot was caught on camera with her boss at a concert. The video went viral. Soon she was drowning in the vitriol of strangers.
The Ritual Shaming of the Woman at the Coldplay Concert

Kristin Cabot was caught on camera with her boss at a concert. The video went viral. Soon she was drowning in the vitriol of strangers.
Senators Investigate Role of A.I. Data Centers in Rising Electricity Costs

Three Democrats are seeking information from tech firms about the growing energy use of data centers and the utility bills of individuals and other businesses.
These Travel Influencers Don’t Want Freebies. They’re A.I.

Social media posts by A.I.-created travel avatars cost far less to produce, yet look and sound real. Human influencers worry they’re being elbowed out.
A.I. Videos Have Flooded Social Media. No One Was Ready.

Apps like OpenAI’s Sora are fooling millions of users into thinking A.I. videos are real, even when they include warning labels.
Faux Jewels and Slimming Belts: Why Shopping on TikTok Is a Lot Like QVC

The popular app’s online marketplace is growing rapidly in the United States, driven by TikTok’s popularity and influencer advertisements that look a lot like TV infomercials.
Why Is TikTok Debating the ‘New American Dream’?

An online debate began when a European man lampooned the concept of American culture. Then a lot of Americans began agreeing with him.
Grammys Snubs and Surprises: Rap Reigns, but Lorde Won’t Slay

A look at the nominations’ unexpected story lines, including best new artist nominees with unusual paths and the event’s hesitancy around “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Whatnot Raises $225 Million as Investors Bet on Livestream Shopping

The start-up is among the biggest names in a fast-growing part of e-commerce that is effectively a kind of QVC for the TikTok era.
What Is Group 7 on TikTok? Sophia James Explains Her Exclusive Club.

A “science experiment” by the singer Sophia James has people proudly declaring their membership in an exclusive group.
Strangers Online Are Having the Same ‘Mall World’ Dream. But What Is It?

Thousands of people online have recounted visiting a similar mall-like setting while they sleep. Theories vary wildly.