Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, faced a mass migration from “TikTok refugees.” The Pinterest–Instagram love child that my Chinese immigrant mother uses everyday was suddenly the most downloaded app in the West.
We are constantly fed information through the internet and on social media. Without knowing if the information is true, we spread rumors like wildfires based on assumptions.
Although the initial ban lasted less than a day, from Jan. 18 – 19, it has been a major talking point for almost a year. Millions of American content creators — both big and small — have feared the loss of their income sources, while users have mourned the loss of community and sense of belonging.
After TikTok voluntarily shut down for United States users Saturday evening before restoring access approximately 12 hours later, Boston University students reflected on the platform’s significance and noticeable shifts in user experience since its brief hiatus.
