The Whitsdom Press

Tag: tiktok

  • Black TikTokers Urge Sit Out for April 5th Protests

    On April 5, 2025, large protests called the “Hands Off! National Day of Action” took place across the U.S. People rallied against policies linked to former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. They focused on issues like cuts to Social Security, threats to democracy, and unfair tax benefits for the wealthy. Organized by groups like the Human Rights Campaign, the goal was to pressure lawmakers to stop these policies.

    Why TikTok Warned Black People to “Sit Yo Black Ass Down”

    A viral TikTok trend urged Black Americans to avoid the protests, sparking widespread discussion. Many Black creators raised concerns about safety. They pointed to Trump’s history of threatening to use the military or National Guard to control protests. They worried this would lead to violence or even martial law. Others highlighted the long history of Black protesters facing harsher treatment. Police or counter-protesters treat them more severely compared to other groups.

    Critics also argued that the protests centered issues that mattered more to ‘white liberals.’ These issues included tax cuts for the wealthy. The protests did not focus (or include) on urgent priorities for Black communities, like police violence or systemic racism. Some felt Black voices were being used to support causes that didn’t tackle their specific struggles. To spread their message, Black TikTokers used humor and creativity.

    Be sure to subscribe to @PeaceOfMind-LAPC on Youtube!

    Behind the jokes, though, was a serious call to focus on safer actions with greater impact. Many suggested supporting Black-owned businesses. They also recommended practicing self-care to cope with political (or everyday) stress. Others advocated organizing locally around issues that directly affect their communities. Common folk like me will just stay home, be with the family, and hop on the video game.

    Did People Listen?

    While the April 5th protests drew crowds in cities like New York and Washington, D.C., many Black activists chose to stay home. The TikTok movement revealed a divide in how people view activism. Some still believe mass protests are powerful tools for change. Others argue that marginalized groups, like Black Americans, need to prioritize safety. They should adopt strategies that directly benefit their communities. May I remind you that WE Black people went to the polls? We constantly educated ourselves about this administration. Yet, we still got fade? Yep, we are sitting this one out.

    The TikTok-driven April 5th Protest reflects a growing sentiment among Black communities. It shows that participation in activism doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Whether through protests, mutual aid, or rest, the goal remains fighting systemic inequities while safeguarding mental and physical well-being.

    Watch this live feed. Not a speck of us out there. Someone even shouted “Black Lives Matter” but that someone didn’t look like me.

  • Impact of Potential TikTok Ban on Creators’ Livelihoods

    For many people, TikTok is just a fun app for watching entertaining videos. But for countless creators, it’s much more than that—it’s their job and their main source of income. Unfortunately, TikTok will probably be out the door on January 19, 2025. Many creators are left wondering how they will support themselves if the app is no longer available. Let’s explore what this means for those whose livelihoods depend on TikTok, especially for those unfamiliar with how social media can generate income.

    How Do TikTok Creators Earn Money?

    TikTok creators—often called influencers—have various ways to monetize their content. Companies frequently pay creators to promote their products in videos, a practice known as brand deals or sponsorships. TikTok’s Creator Fund offers a program that pays creators based on the number of views their videos receive. The more views, the more they earn. During live streaming, fans can send virtual gifts to creators, which can be converted into real money. Creators can also utilize the TikTok Store, enabling them to set up a store within the app to sell merchandise or promote their small businesses directly from their profiles. Beyond these income streams, many creators capitalize on their TikTok presence to promote external businesses, ventures, or partnerships.

    For some, TikTok is not just an extra source of cash; it’s their primary income. This money is how they pay rent, support their families, and invest in their future. The possibility of losing this income due to a TikTok ban is, understandably, alarming.

    Why Is TikTok at Risk of Being Banned?

    The discussion around banning TikTok largely stems from concerns about privacy and national security. ByteDance, a Chinese company, owns TikTok. Critics argue that the app collects large amounts of user data. Foreign governments could potentially access this data. While TikTok has repeatedly denied these allegations, many governments remain wary. India has already banned the app, and countries like the United States have considered taking similar steps. The Biden administration has set a deadline for TikTok to be banned in the U.S. by Sunday unless ByteDance sells its stake, citing security concerns. This development has significant implications for social media users and content creators nationwide.

    What Happens to Creators If TikTok Gets Banned?

    For creators who rely solely on TikTok, a ban could have devastating effects. The most immediate consequence would be the loss of income. Without access to the platform, creators would no longer be able to reach their audience, meaning they would also lose their brand deals, creator fund payments, and earnings from live streams.

    Starting over on another platform isn’t as simple as it sounds. Building a large, engaged audience on social media used to take years, and many creators worry that their success on TikTok may not transfer to other platforms like Instagram or YouTube. Plus, not all social media platforms offer the same tools or opportunities for earning money, which could make it harder for creators to make a living.

    How Are Creators Preparing for a Possible Ban?

    To prepare for the possibility of a TikTok ban, many creators are taking proactive steps to protect their careers. One common strategy is diversifying their online presence by creating accounts on other platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. By expanding their reach to multiple apps, they reduce the risk of losing their audience entirely if TikTok becomes unavailable.

    Some creators are also finding ways to connect with their fans outside of social media. For example, they’re building email lists, launching personal websites, or starting small businesses. Others are exploring new ways to earn money, such as offering online courses, selling products, or collaborating with brands in different formats.

    How Can Supporters Help Creators?

    Fans (subscribers) play an important role in helping creators during uncertain times. If a TikTok creator you enjoy moves to a new platform, consider following them there to show your support. Sharing their videos or posts can also help them reach new audiences and rebuild their following. If they offer products or services, making a purchase is another meaningful way to contribute.

    Conclusion

    A TikTok ban would affect more than just the ability to watch short videos. For thousands of creators, it could mean the loss of a livelihood and financial stability. While many creators are working hard to prepare for this possibility, the road ahead is uncertain and challenging. It is already hard out here when looking for a job (trust me I know) so I am sure some of these creators may be terrified.

    As fans, colleagues, or simply compassionate individuals, we can all play a role in supporting creators during this time. By helping them find new opportunities, we can ensure they continue to thrive, even if TikTok is no longer around.

  • From Likes to Legacy: Teaching Teens About Digital Footprints

    Talking to teens about social media responsibility and digital footprinting is crucial in today’s digital age. As parents, grandparents, and caregivers, we play a vital role in guiding our teens toward safe and responsible online behavior. Let’s break it down into actionable steps:

    1. Understand the Landscape

    Before diving into conversations with your teens, it’s essential to grasp the social media landscape. Acknowledge that social media is an integral part of their lives, and it’s here to stay. Here are some key points:

    • Benefits and Risks: Social media offers both benefits and risks. While it connects people, provides information, and fosters creativity, it can also lead to mental health issues, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns.

    2. Open Dialogue

    Keep communication channels open with your teens. Regularly discuss social media and technology. Here’s how:

    • Current Events and Trends: Use current events as conversation starters. If you come across a new social media trend or challenge, ask your teen to explain it. Discuss how their digital presence can impact their future goals.  

    3. Set Guidelines

    Establish clear guidelines for social media use. Consider the following:

    • Time Limits: Limit the amount of time your teen spends on social media. Encourage breaks and offline activities. For example, once your teen come homes from school, a good schedule would be homework, chores, family time, chill time (social media, gaming, etc.) Also consider other methods to replace social media, such as video gaming, or a fun and mentally-healthy app on the VR headset (for those who have them.) Outside of tech, there’s reading time and outdoor time.
    • Device-Free Bedrooms: Remove devices from their bedrooms at night to promote healthy sleep habits. When it is my daughter’s bedtime, I take away the tablet and remove the gaming controller in her room. We call it “tech down time.”
    • Behavior Monitoring: Pay attention and be vigilant for problematic behaviors, such as excessive cravings for social media, compulsively wanting to their electronic versus dealing with everyday needs like eating, inability to stop, and dishonesty.

    4. Teach Digital Footprinting

    Help your teens understand their digital footprint—the trail of information they leave online. Here’s how:

    • Permanent Record: Explain that what they post online stays forever. Colleges, employers, and others may view their profiles. As a former College Access Counselor at a high school I had to host a seminar to my juniors about how their social media profiles could possibly affect their college admissions and scholarship acceptances, even if the profile is private. In 2020, a few graduating high school seniors lost their college admissions acceptances into amazing colleges like Cornell and Marquette because of their racial slurs made on social media.
    • Think Before Posting: Encourage critical thinking. Teenagers (and adults) should always think before sharing anything, “Would I want this to be part of my permanent record?” or “Would I be proud of this 10 years later?” There have been many people who became popular over the years, and due to the change of the culture, old tweets could be found offensive. For example, Tiktok chef/influencer turned Harris County (Houston) prosecutor, Waymond Wesley/Chef Way was in hot water a few years ago for old tweets resurfacing that were colorist, anti-Black, and insulting Black women. While he didn’t lose his job, he did lose a brand partnership.

    5. Privacy and Security

    Discuss privacy settings and security measures:

    • Privacy Settings: Teach your teens how to adjust privacy settings on different platforms. Remind them to limit personal information visibility. The only people who should know your location are your loved ones.
    • Password Safety: Emphasize strong, unique passwords and the importance of not sharing them. A mix of numbers, letters, (alphanumerical) and symbols are helpful towards creating a strong password and securing you accounts.
    • Avoid Oversharing: Caution against sharing sensitive details like addresses, phone numbers, or travel plans publicly. While it is okay to have a pen pal, it is not okay to share your personal information such as your address, real name, or even photos of yourself. Even when taking pictures of your surroundings, be careful what you capture and share on social media. Late rapper Pop Smoke, was killed in his Hollywood Hills home after his “opps” saw his address on his luggage tag that he posted on social media.

    6. Cyberbullying Awareness

    I once watched the ABC Family movie ‘Cyberbully‘ with Emily Osment and Kay Panabaker, and it really showed the dark side of online interactions and bullying on social media. The film highlights the devastating impact of cyberbullying on mental health and emphasizes the need for empathy, awareness, and responsible online behavior. Raise awareness about cyberbullying:

    • Kindness Online: Encourage kindness and empathy. Remind them that words have real impact with real consequences. Michelle Carter, a Massachusetts woman who texted her boyfriend that he should kill himself was convicted of involuntary manslaughter because the boyfriend did die by suicide per those text messages. She was sentenced to 15 months in prison and five years probation in 2017.
    • Reporting: Teach them how to report bullying or harmful content on social media platforms. Remember the phrase “if you see something, say something?” Online is no different. Even if these people are strangers, they are people at the end of the day. If you don’t like being bullied, why watch others be bullied?

    7. Lead by Example

    Parents and guardians, you must model responsible social media behavior:

    • Show Respect: Treat others online as you would in person. I have seen people on YouTube in these “sectors” or communities doing the craziest things online in order to get their channels monetized, get cash apps with large crowds in the chat and viewership, and more. In the midst of it all, there is a lot of “plays being ran”, doxing personal information to the public airways, and arguing at each other from the time their kids go to bed to the time their kids wake up for school. Your teenagers are seeing you do this, so be a better example.
    • Fact-Check: Verify information before sharing. There are so many conspiracies and clout-chasers running around, you must recognize the real from the fake. It never hurts to research before posting. Otherwise, scroll on by.
    • Balance: Demonstrate a balanced approach to social media use. For your own mental health and wellness, balance time with your teenager, your family, yourself, and your own social media use; especially if social media is your side-hustle.

    Remember, our teens need guidance, not restrictions. Engage in open conversations, listen actively, and empower them to make informed choices. By fostering a healthy digital environment, we can help our teens navigate social media responsibly and build a positive digital footprint

  • From TikTok Tears to Tea: The Reesa Teesa Saga and Lessons on Social Media Scrutiny

     

    Remember Reesa Teesa? The TikTok star who captivated audiences with her emotional, 50-part saga detailing her ex-husband’s alleged betrayal?  Well, the story just took another turn! Let’s dive into the drama, explore the online firestorm, and unpack some key takeaways for anyone navigating the wild world of social media.

    From Heartbreak to Viral Stardom

    Reesa Teesa’s series, titled  “Who tf did I Marry?”, resonated with viewers due to its raw portrayal of heartbreak and betrayal. She chronicled alleged lies, manipulation, and financial deception at the hands of her then-anonymous ex-husband. The internet, naturally, became invested. Reesa Teesa met her ex-husband, whom she referred to as “Legion” (real name Jerome McCoy), on a dating app shortly before the pandemic. They quickly moved in together due to quarantine restrictions. Their relationship escalated rapidly, culminating in a wedding in January 2021. According to Reesa Teesa, a miscarriage during this period drew them closer. Despite the wedding, Reesa Teesa claims she “knew she was in serious trouble” by the end of January 2021. She alleges she ignored red flags throughout the relationship for various reasons. Reesa Teesa overall painted a picture of a manipulative and deceitful marriage and claimed “Legion” lied about his job, finances, and even a criminal past.

    Charlamagne tha God (left), Reesa Teesa (right)

    Charlamagne Tha God Chimes In (and Sparks Outrage)

    Radio personality Charlamagne Tha God stirred the pot by commenting on Reesa Teesa’s situation during his show.  His use of the term “big back” to describe plus-size women seeking love was widely slammed as fatphobic and insensitive. Many felt it detracted from the seriousness of Reesa’s claims. Charlamagne issued an apology.

    “Sometimes the easiest way to keep your own peace is to not disturb the peace of others. I disturbed that woman’s peace and that wasn’t my intention. So I apologize if my words made her feel that way…BUT I do have two things to say. Number one I never said she don’t deserve love because of her size. I didn’t even know she was big. Jess told the story and I said, ‘It sound like big back behavior and I started talking about big back beliefs. Now, if y’all wanna have a conversation about reinforcing negative stereotypes about big backs, I understand. I’m open to it. But acting like I was having a conversation about Reesa Teesa’s looks and size. That’s not accurate. Reesa is getting a lot of props for being so vulnerable. Salute to her, but I personally feel like we have to stop bringing this stuff to social media if you can’t handle people having an opinion.”

    Photo source: TMZ

    The Ex-Husband Speaks Up (But is it Too Little, Too Late?)

    Following the online frenzy, Reesa Teesa’s ex-husband, Legion, born Jerome Rome McCoy, finally came forward.  However, his public apology seemed to only fuel the fire.  Many questioned the timing and sincerity of his statement. He refutes Reesa Teesa’s claims in her “Who tf did I Marry?” series, calling them “completely false.” He alleged that Reesa Teesa cheated on him during their marriage, leading to the break-up. He even considered legal action against Reesa for allegedly damaging his reputation with her online narrative.

    Lessons Learned: Social Media, Self-Care, and Setting Boundaries

    The Reesa Teesa saga offers valuable lessons for anyone active online:

    • Think Before You Post: Sharing personal details online can bring unexpected consequences.
    • Beware the Backlash: Social media can be a breeding ground for negativity.
    • Prioritize Self-Care: It’s vital to protect your mental health during challenging times.
    • Set Boundaries: Not everyone online deserves your story.

    Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Reesa Teesa?

    Reesa Teesa has remained relatively quiet since Charlamagne’s “big back” comment.  Whether she chooses to continue sharing her story or step away from the spotlight is yet to be seen. The Reesa Teesa saga may be nearing its end, but the conversation about online safety and responsible social media use continues.  Remember,  sharing online comes with a responsibility to be mindful of yourself and others.

    The Reesa Teesa saga throws light on the often-uncertain world of online dating and the double-edged sword of social media. While online dating platforms offer a chance for connection, caution is crucial. Be wary of rushing into relationships and prioritize getting to know someone well before taking significant steps. Sharing personal experiences online can be cathartic and raise awareness, but it also opens the door to public scrutiny and potential negativity. Weigh the pros and cons before hitting “post.” Ultimately, the Reesa Teesa story doesn’t offer easy answers.  It serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the complexities of navigating online connections and sharing our lives on social media.