The Reality of Shadow Banning on TikTok: A Deep Dive into the Corporate Mechanics Part Two

Introduction

In part one of our investigation into TikTok's use of shadow banning, we confirmed that this practice does indeed occur on the platform. Despite the belief held by many subscribers that TikTok is more egalitarian than other social media sites, the reality is that it functions in much the same way as its counterparts. In this installment, we delve deeper into the corporate strategies that underpin shadow banning and draw parallels with less savory business practices.

The Shadow Economy of Social Media

Previously, we explored the business motivations behind shadow banning. Now, let’s examine the corporate structures and power dynamics that perpetuate these practices.

"Better Have My Money"

To understand shadow banning, think of it in terms of exploitative relationships, such as the pimp and his workers. This analogy, while stark, helps to underscore the power imbalances and financial exploitation at play.

Rule Number Two: Redistributing Wealth In the world of the pimp game, workers generate income only to have it taken by their leader, who then redistributes a portion back to them. This is not dissimilar to how TikTok operates with its content creators. Although creators produce content and drive engagement on the platform, the financial rewards they receive are determined and limited by TikTok. Content creators are the lifeblood of TikTok; without them, the platform would have no material to attract users or advertisers. Despite this, creators often face uncertainty regarding their earnings, many remaining financially strained. The platform’s promotion of ultra-successful content stars—often "industry plants"—creates a misleading narrative of easy success, encouraging others to pour their efforts into creating content.

Content as Commodity: The Data Economy

While creators contribute their labor and creativity, the real asset being generated is personal data. TikTok leverages this data to offer valuable insights to advertisers and investors, making it a data-driven enterprise at its core.

The Economics of Exploitation

The relationship between TikTok and its creators mirrors broader economic trends. Over the past five decades, wages have stagnated despite a growing GDP. This wage suppression strategy disproportionately benefits shareholders over workers. This tactic isn't limited to TikTok but is part of a wider economic shift that has suppressed the middle class.

The Taxation Comparison Another parallel can be drawn with taxation. Governments collect taxes directly from income, allocating a portion of what workers earn. TikTok similarly exerts control over the revenue generated by creators, only passing down a small fraction. This dynamic highlights the broader systemic issue of wealth redistribution and control. ### Conclusion

In dissecting the underlying mechanics of shadow banning on TikTok, it's clear that the platform’s operations are reflective of wider corporate practices designed to maximize profits at the expense of workers—in this case, content creators. Understanding these dynamics provides a clearer view of the economic realities affecting those who strive to make a living through their creativity online