Gen Z Dumps TikTok, Flocks to New App

Gen Z users in the U.S. are increasingly turning away from TikTok, following the app's shift to new American ownership, and are instead embracing a rising alternative platform created by a former Oracle employee. This quiet revolt, driven by concerns over algorithm issues and potential censorship, marks a significant shift in the social media landscape.

In January, TikTok's U.S. operations were formally separated from its global business and placed under a new joint venture, with Oracle holding a major stake. This move, intended to address national security concerns, has been met with skepticism from many young users. According to Fortune, these users view the change as the app becoming an instrument of corporate and political power.

The transition has been described as a "mess" by some. David Pierce, The Verge's editor-at-large, suggested that current issues on TikTok are "less about censorship and more about normal internet problems," as reported by Vox. The new ownership structure has led to algorithm issues and prompted users to seek alternatives.

This shift comes as the Trump administration seeks to expand its immigrant detention capacity, as reported by Time. While seemingly unrelated, the news highlights the broader context of corporate and political influence. The administration allocated $45 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to build new detention centers, with properties purchased in multiple states.

Meanwhile, in a separate story, figure skater Isabeau Levito is preparing for her first trip to the Olympics, a homecoming of sorts as the Winter Games take place in Milano Cortina, where her mother is from. Levito, who started skating at age 3, shared her childhood dream of competing in the Olympics, according to Time.