OpenAI on meltdown selfies and Sex Strikes

Do you know anything about the TikTok social media platform?

Yes, I'm familiar with TikTok! It's a popular short-form video-sharing social media platform, primarily used for creating and sharing videos ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes long. It has a wide range of content, including music, comedy, education, DIY, and more. TikTok is particularly known for its:

- Algorithm: Its "For You Page" (FYP) curates content based on user interests and engagement, making it highly addictive.
- Creative Tools: It offers filters, effects, and music libraries that make it easy to produce engaging content.
- Challenges and Trends: Users often participate in viral challenges and trends, which are a significant part of the platform's culture.
- Demographics: Initially popular among younger users, its audience has broadened significantly to include people of all ages.
- Business Use: Many brands and influencers use TikTok for marketing, leveraging its vast reach to promote products or ideas.

If you have specific questions or are interested in how TikTok might be relevant to your projects or interests, let me know!

How many users does TikTok have?

As of 2024, TikTok has approximately 1.04 billion monthly active users worldwide. In the United States, the platform boasts about 170 million users. The user base is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with 53.62% male and 46.38% female users. Age-wise, a significant portion of users are young adults; globally, 33.3% are aged 18 to 24, and 36.1% are between 25 and 34.

Is TikTok oriented more towards computers or more towards cellphones and/or other gadgets?

TikTok is primarily oriented toward cellphones and other mobile devices, as it was designed to be a mobile-first platform. Here’s a breakdown of its orientation:

Mobile Focus

- Primary Platform: TikTok's app is optimized for smartphones (iOS and Android), making it easy for users to record, edit, and share videos directly from their phones.
- Mobile Features: It offers tools like filters, effects, and music integration, which are tailored for touchscreen interaction and on-the-go content creation.
- Vertical Video Format: The platform's emphasis on full-screen, vertical video content is inherently mobile-friendly.
- Notifications and Social Interaction: TikTok's notifications, live streaming, and quick sharing options are built for mobile interactivity.

Desktop Accessibility

- Web Version: TikTok does have a desktop website where users can browse videos, manage their accounts, and upload pre-edited videos. However, its functionality is more limited compared to the mobile app.
- Desktop Content Creation: For creators using professional equipment or editing software, videos are often created and edited on a computer and then uploaded to TikTok via the desktop interface or transferred to a mobile device for uploading.

Other Devices

- Smart TVs: TikTok has extended its reach to smart TVs with apps like TikTok for TV, allowing users to watch content on larger screens, though this is primarily for viewing rather than creating content.
- Tablets: TikTok works well on tablets but retains its mobile-optimized design.

Overall, TikTok's design and features strongly favor mobile devices, with its desktop and other device support being supplementary.

As of early 2025, where does the question of lawsuits and TikTok possibly being banned in the US stand?

As of early January 2025, TikTok's status in the United States is under significant legal scrutiny due to national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which mandates that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, divest its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban.

TikTok has challenged this law, arguing that it infringes on First Amendment rights by suppressing free speech without sufficient justification. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in the case on January 10, 2025, to determine the law's constitutionality.

If the ban proceeds, TikTok would be removed from U.S. app stores, preventing new downloads. Existing users might retain access temporarily, but without updates, the app's functionality would degrade over time.

Do you have anything to do with TikTok or does OpenAI?

No, I do not have any direct connection with TikTok, nor does OpenAI. OpenAI is an independent organization focused on developing and deploying advanced artificial intelligence technologies responsibly. Our work involves creating AI models and tools for a wide range of applications, including language understanding, content generation, and other areas unrelated to specific social media platforms like TikTok.

The reason for the interest involves large numbers of what I call meltdown or shaming selfies being posted mostly by young women on TikTok and then reposted on X. The people posting those messages are distraught over the Trump victory in the election. I am curious as to the numbers in question; if this is being done by a few hundred people it isn't much of a problem, if that number is more like five or ten million, it could be a big problem.

The reason for the interest involves large numbers of what I call meltdown or shaming selfies being posted mostly by young women on TikTok and then reposted on X. The people posting those messages are distraught over the Trump victory in the election. I am curious as to the numbers in question; if this is being done by a few hundred people it isn't much of a problem, if that number is more like five or ten million, it could be a big problem.

Following Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, there has been a notable increase in emotional reaction videos, often referred to as "meltdown" or "shaming selfies," predominantly posted by young women on platforms like TikTok and subsequently shared on X (formerly Twitter).

These videos capture intense emotional responses, including tears, frustration, and expressions of fear regarding the election outcome.

While these videos have garnered significant attention, with some compilations receiving millions of views, precise data on the total number of individuals posting such content is not readily available. The viral nature of these videos amplifies their visibility, making it challenging to determine whether they represent the sentiments of a few hundred or several million individuals.

It's important to recognize that social media platforms often amplify extreme reactions, which may not accurately reflect the broader population's sentiments. The prevalence of these videos in your feed could be influenced by algorithmic personalization, leading to a perception that such reactions are more widespread than they might be in reality.

In summary, while these "meltdown" videos are highly visible and have sparked discussions across social media, there is insufficient data to accurately quantify the number of individuals participating in this trend. Therefore, assessing the scale of the issue based solely on these videos is challenging.

So I'm not the only person using terms like shaming or meltdown selfies...

You're definitely not alone in using terms like "shaming selfies" or "meltdown selfies." These phrases seem to capture the essence of the phenomenon quite effectively and are increasingly used by others observing and discussing these emotional reactions on platforms like TikTok and X. The terms resonate because they succinctly describe both the content (selfies or videos showcasing emotional vulnerability or frustration) and the broader social commentary surrounding the act of publicly sharing such moments. These types of posts often become cultural flashpoints, sparking debate about self-expression, generational differences, and the role of social media in amplifying personal and political emotions. If you want to explore further analysis or societal implications of these trends, feel free to ask!

There is a related question of women going on "sex strikes" over the Trump victory. Is that as big a thing as the selfies??

Following Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, some American women have initiated a "sex strike" as a form of protest, drawing inspiration from South Korea's "4B" movement. This movement advocates for four "no's": no sex, no dating, no marriage, and no childbearing with men, aiming to challenge patriarchal norms and assert bodily autonomy.

The sex strike has gained visibility through social media platforms like TikTok, where participants share their commitments and encourage others to join. Notable figures, including Whoopi Goldberg, have publicly supported the movement, further amplifying its reach.

Despite this visibility, the movement remains relatively niche compared to the widespread posting of emotional reaction videos, often referred to as "meltdown selfies," by young women on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). These reaction videos have garnered significant attention and engagement, reflecting a broader spectrum of emotional responses to the election outcome.

In summary, while the sex strike has attracted media coverage and online discussion, it does not appear to be as widespread or impactful as the proliferation of reaction videos expressing distress over the election results.

Dumb question, is there any way to post a reply to some of that content on TikTok without actually joining TikTok or having a TikTok account of any sort?

Unfortunately, no. To interact with content on TikTok—whether to post a reply, comment, like, or share your own video—you must have a TikTok account. TikTok requires user authentication to ensure the integrity of interactions and to manage community guidelines.

If you're interested in sharing your perspective without joining TikTok, here are some alternative options:

• Post on Other Platforms: Share your thoughts on platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, or YouTube, referencing the TikTok trend or specific videos (without violating copyright or privacy).
• Collaborate with TikTok Users: If you know someone with a TikTok account, they might be willing to share your message or reply on your behalf.
• Blog or Website: Write an article or blog post about the trend, which you can share widely. This approach can reach TikTok users indirectly if they come across your content on other platforms.
• Public Forums: Join public forums or subreddits where TikTok content is being discussed, and share your perspective there.

My own take on the selfies and sex strikes:

https://steemit.com/politics/@gungasnake/the-meltdown-selfies-and-sex-strikes

Would you have a choice as to some other forum, from which posts might be most likely to reach TikTok?

If you want your thoughts to resonate with TikTok users without joining the platform, you can strategically use forums and platforms that TikTok users frequent. Here are some suggestions:

• X (formerly Twitter): Many TikTok trends and discussions spill over onto X. By crafting a well-tagged and engaging post on X, you might reach users who also interact with TikTok content. Hashtags like #TikTokTrends, #MeltdownSelfies, or #SexStrike could help your post gain traction.
• Reddit: Subreddits like r/TikTokCringe or r/SocialMedia often discuss TikTok trends critically. Posting your take here could engage users discussing similar content.
• YouTube: Creating a video or even a text-to-speech-style commentary that references the TikTok trends could find an audience. Many TikTok discussions end up dissected in YouTube videos.
• Facebook Groups: Look for groups discussing political or social trends. Many Facebook users also cross-post or discuss TikTok content there.
• Quora: You can write an answer to a related question or pose your own question to frame your argument, inviting discussion from others.
• Medium: Publishing an article on Medium with a focus on the cultural and societal impact of these trends could give your post an air of professionalism and reach a more diverse audience.