#secure financial apps

[my-financials]

Cybersecurity in Personal Finance Management: Essential Strategies for Digital Safety

In today’s digital age, where a staggering 76% of Americans engage in online banking (Pew Research Center), the importance of cybersecurity in managing personal finances cannot be overstated. This comprehensive guide explores the essential strategies for protecting your online banking, investment, and transaction activities from cyber threats. Fortifying Online Banking and Investments: An…

[dont-look-me-in-the-eye]

honestly when I turn 18 I’m probably gonna disappear for seven years, come back with a million dollars on my parents doorstep, dump it, disappear again and work in the trades until my hands wear out, buy a condo in the city, and never use this brilliant mind ever again

[hungry-hobbits]

has enough time passed that i can correctly and bravely say that all the people who were screaming and crying because of the tiktok ban and saying they literally dropped out of college or quit their jobs to be influencers/content creators full time were/are really stupid?

[fincrif]

Can Economic Uncertainty Impact Your Loan Approval Chances?

Economic uncertainty affects everything from employment stability to interest rates, and if you’re considering applying for a personal loan, you might wonder how it impacts your chances of approval. During uncertain times, lenders reassess risks, tighten approval criteria, and adjust loan terms to minimize potential losses. Understanding these changes can help you improve your loan eligibility and secure the best possible terms.

How Economic Uncertainty Affects Personal Loan Approvals

When the economy is unstable, financial institutions adopt more cautious lending practices. Here’s how economic uncertainty influences personal loan approvals:

1. Stricter Lending Criteria

During economic downturns or market volatility, lenders tighten their requirements to reduce the risk of loan defaults. Borrowers may need to meet higher credit score thresholds, show stronger financial stability, or provide additional documentation.

2. Higher Interest Rates

To offset the risks associated with lending during economic uncertainty, financial institutions may increase personal loan interest rates. A higher rate means increased borrowing costs, making it crucial to compare lenders before applying.

3. Reduced Loan Amounts

Lenders may limit the amount they are willing to offer borrowers due to potential financial instability. This means applicants may receive lower loan approvals than they would in a strong economic climate.

4. Longer Approval Times

With increased scrutiny, lenders take longer to process and approve personal loan applications. They conduct more thorough background checks, verify income stability, and assess repayment capacity before approving loans.

Key Factors That Influence Loan Approval During Economic Uncertainty

Even in uncertain economic conditions, some factors can improve your chances of securing a personal loan. Here’s what lenders look for:

1. Credit Score and History

Your credit score remains one of the most critical factors in loan approval. A higher credit score can increase your chances of securing a personal loan at a lower interest rate. Maintain a strong credit profile by:

Paying bills on time

Reducing outstanding debt

Avoiding multiple loan applications within a short period

2. Stable Income and Employment

Lenders assess your income stability to determine whether you can afford to repay the loan. If your job is secure, you have a higher chance of getting approved. If you’re self-employed, providing proof of consistent income can strengthen your application.

3. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Your debt-to-income ratio compares your total monthly debt payments to your income. A lower DTI signals to lenders that you have enough financial flexibility to handle additional debt. Ideally, lenders prefer a DTI below 40%.

4. Collateral or Secured Loans

If you’re struggling to get approval for an unsecured personal loan, offering collateral (such as a car or savings account) can increase your chances. Secured loans reduce the lender’s risk, making them more likely to approve your application.

Strategies to Improve Loan Approval Chances During Economic Uncertainty

If you need a personal loan during uncertain economic conditions, follow these strategies to increase your likelihood of approval:

1. Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying

Take steps to boost your credit score by:

Paying down credit card balances

Avoiding late payments

Checking your credit report for errors and disputing inaccuracies

2. Consider a Co-Signer

A co-signer with a strong credit history can improve your chances of approval. If you have a lower credit score or unstable income, a co-signer provides additional security to lenders.

3. Opt for a Fixed-Rate Loan

With fluctuating interest rates, a fixed-rate personal loan ensures your monthly payments remain consistent, making budgeting easier.

4. Apply for a Loan You Can Comfortably Repay

Borrow only what you need and ensure the loan terms align with your budget. Overborrowing can lead to financial strain, especially if the economic situation worsens.

5. Compare Multiple Lenders

Different financial institutions have varying approval criteria. Comparing multiple lenders can help you find the best terms, lowest interest rates, and most flexible repayment options.

The Role of Government Policies in Loan Approvals

During economic uncertainty, governments may introduce financial relief programs, interest rate adjustments, or stimulus packages that affect personal loan approvals. Some government measures include:

Lowered interest rates to encourage borrowing

Loan forbearance programs to assist struggling borrowers

Credit guarantee schemes to support lenders and borrowers

Understanding these policies can help you make strategic borrowing decisions and take advantage of any financial support available.

Conclusion

Economic uncertainty can impact personal loan approvals, but with the right approach, you can still secure financing. By maintaining a strong credit score, ensuring income stability, and choosing the right lender, you can improve your chances of approval even during uncertain times.

If you’re considering a personal loan, be strategic, borrow wisely, and stay informed about economic trends to make the best financial decisions. Always compare loan options, negotiate terms where possible, and ensure that your repayment plan fits your long-term financial goals.

[jcmarchi]

Tips for Hosting Your Client’s WordPress Website — Speckyboy

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/tips-for-hosting-your-clients-wordpress-website-speckyboy/

Tips for Hosting Your Client’s WordPress Website — Speckyboy

WordPress Freelancers and agencies often do more than design and development. A full-service company may also maintain and host its clients’ websites.

Providing web hosting has several benefits for freelancers. First, it’s a vehicle to add recurring revenue to your business via reselling or an affiliate program from an established host. That steady flow of money can improve your financial health.

You’ll also have more control over each site’s environment. That helps ensure compatibility and keeps things running smoothly. Plus, you’ll know what to expect regarding performance, security, and support.

However, hosting client sites is also a serious responsibility. It puts you on the hook for technical difficulties. In addition, managing multiple WordPress websites is challenging. One false move could mean a string of crashed or hacked sites.

With that in mind, we have some tips for hosting your client’s WordPress websites. We’ll show you how to keep a watchful eye on each site without breaking your budget.

Keep Each Client Website Separate

Web hosting costs run the gamut from insanely cheap to, well, insanely expensive. It’s tempting to go the inexpensive route with a shared hosting account.

Hosts often allow multiple WordPress installs on an account. It makes sense from a business perspective. You pay for a couple of hosting packages and run all of your client sites on them.

This strategy has a couple of serious flaws. The first is that server downtime could impact every site you host. It’s bad enough when one site is down, let alone a few dozen.

Malware is the other major concern. Malicious code can easily spread from one site to another in a shared hosting environment. Once a site is compromised, it’s only a matter of time until the others are hit.

The lesson here is to keep each website on a separate hosting account. Make sure your host isolates sites via a container or other barrier. That will help prevent a security nightmare. Again, it’s easier to deal with one hacked site than having multiple infections.

And it doesn’t have to be inconvenient. Many hosts offer a centralized dashboard to access each site, and there are also third-party services that do the same.

Lock Down Your WordPress Installs

On many hosts, the famous “5-minute WordPress install” has been replaced with a one-click process. Still, older sites may have been installed manually via SFTP. Thus, it’s important to check each install to verify its integrity.

WordPress file permissions are an area of concern. For instance, allowing public access to the site’s wp-config.php file is an invitation to hackers. The file includes your database login and other sensitive information. A lot of damage can be done if it falls into the wrong hands.

The WordPress developer documentation has a handy guide for setting the correct file permissions. Follow its advice and ensure files only have the required permissions.

You might also want to disable file editing within the WordPress dashboard. That will prevent a malicious actor (or adventurous client) from editing theme or plugin files.

Add the following line to each site’s wp-config.php file: define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true );

Other ways to secure the sites you host:

The goal is to enhance each site’s security, which provides peace of mind for you and your clients.

Ensure You Have Enough Server Resources

Every website you host will have different needs. For example, a brochure site’s functionality isn’t as complex as a WooCommerce shop. Plus, some will inevitably receive more traffic.

That’s why hosting is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Hosts offer tiered services that account for storage and bandwidth. They may also limit the number of domains, dashboard users, or site visitors. Crossing these thresholds can be costly.

Also, pay attention to server resources like memory, CPU cycles, and PHP workers. Shared hosting environments don’t usually guarantee a minimum. More expensive accounts, such as VPS and dedicated servers, assign these resources to your account.

It pays to understand what your host offers and how it impacts your websites. A site with too few resources won’t perform well and may break. Meanwhile, hosting a small site on a higher tier could be wasteful.

You can avoid problems by assessing each site you host. Pay particular attention to the following factors:

Monthly traffic (via Google Analytics or other apps);

Security risks (online transactions, user accounts);

The amount of content;

Special functionality (shopping carts, members-only areas, resource-intensive plugins);

Site stability, performance, and security are vital to success. Using the right hosting will go a long way toward ensuring it.

Keep an Eye Out for Hosting Changes

We know that WordPress, themes, and plugins all require regular maintenance. That’s something we often manage for our clients. But hosts also maintain their infrastructure.

A host will apply new software versions and security patches to their servers. They’ll also upgrade hardware from time to time. You’ll want to know when this happens.

PHP upgrades are a prime example. An outdated theme or plugin could be incompatible with the latest version, which leads to a buggy or broken site.

Staying in the know can help prevent these types of issues. Web hosts often announce maintenance plans ahead of time. They may publish to a blog, add a dashboard alert, or send an email.

Make an effort to inform yourself of what’s happening. It can save you from a future headache or two.

Be a Good Host

Hosting your client’s WordPress websites keeps you in the loop. You’ll be able to watch over each site and ensure its health. It’s also a path to making some extra money.

When things run smoothly, the burden on your time should be minimal. Ensuring things stay that way is part of the job, though.

The first step is to choose your hosting provider wisely. Look for a host that follows best security practices and has a deep understanding of WordPress. They should also offer enough resources to run each site without issue.

From there, it’s all about being proactive with the sites in your portfolio. Keep them updated and take extra security measures. In other words: control the things you can.

Some things are beyond our control. We can’t predict downtime or a host being sold. However, we can put ourselves and our clients in a position to succeed. We hope the tips above will help you get there.

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Written by Eric Karkovack

Eric Karkovack is a web designer and WordPress expert with over two decades of experience. You can visit his business site here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

[insteptechnologies123]

InStep Technologies is a trusted fintech software development company delivering secure, scalable, and innovative financial solutions. We build custom fintech apps, APIs, mobile wallets, blockchain integrations, and automation tools for startups, banks, and enterprises.

[financeeverywherewithcashadvance]

The Technology Powering Instant Cash Advance Apps: Speed, Security, and APIs

In today's fast-paced digital world, consumers expect immediate access to services, and finance is no exception. The rise of instant cash advance apps reflects this demand, offering quick financial relief directly through smartphones. But what's the technology stack that makes these near-instantaneous transactions possible? It's a complex interplay of real-time payment networks, robust APIs, cloud infrastructure, and sophisticated security measures.

The Need for Speed: Why Instant Access Matters

The expectation for instant gratification has permeated consumer behavior. When facing unexpected expenses, waiting days for funds to clear is often impractical. Financial institutions and fintech innovators recognized this gap, leading to solutions designed for speed and convenience. Instant cash advance apps leverage technology to meet this critical user need, providing access to funds within minutes in many cases. This immediacy requires a seamless and highly efficient backend infrastructure.

Core Technologies Enabling Instant Transfers

Several key technologies underpin the functionality of instant cash advance applications. Understanding these components is crucial for appreciating both the capabilities and the challenges involved in building and maintaining these services.

Real-Time Payment Networks (RTP)

Traditional bank transfers (ACH) can take several business days. Modern instant finance apps often utilize newer rails like The Clearing House's RTP® network or similar real-time systems. These networks operate 24/7/365, enabling payment processing and settlement in seconds, forming the backbone of instant transfer capabilities. Implementing RTP requires significant integration effort but provides a vastly superior user experience.

Secure API Integrations

To assess eligibility and facilitate transfers, apps need secure access to users' bank account information. This is typically achieved through APIs provided by financial data aggregators like Plaid. These APIs act as secure intermediaries, allowing apps to verify account details, check balances, and initiate transfers without storing sensitive login credentials, thus enhancing security and user trust. Developers must carefully manage API keys and data handling protocols.

Scalable Cloud Infrastructure

Handling fluctuating demand and ensuring high availability requires a robust and scalable infrastructure. Most fintech apps rely on cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure. These platforms provide the necessary computing power, storage, and network capabilities to process transactions quickly and reliably, scaling resources up or down based on real-time user activity. This elasticity is vital for maintaining performance during peak times.

Security and Compliance: Non-Negotiables in Fintech

Moving money instantly introduces significant security challenges, primarily concerning fraud prevention and data protection.

Advanced Fraud Prevention

Instant transactions leave little room for manual review, necessitating automated fraud detection systems. Many apps employ machine learning algorithms to analyze transaction patterns, user behavior, and device information in real-time to identify and block potentially fraudulent activities. Continuous monitoring and model refinement are essential to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Data Protection and Compliance

Protecting sensitive user data is paramount. Apps must adhere to strict data security standards, such as those outlined by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI DSS) for handling cardholder data. Implementing end-to-end encryption, secure authentication methods, and regular security audits are critical components of a trustworthy financial application. Compliance ensures user data is handled responsibly.

Comparing App Models and User Experience

While the underlying technology shares similarities, the business models and user experiences of fee-free instant cash advance apps can vary significantly. Some apps charge subscription fees, interest, or expedite fees for faster transfers. Others adopt different revenue models. For developers and consumers alike, understanding these differences is key. Exploring resources that compare instant cash advance apps can provide valuable insights into features, costs, and transfer speeds.

One alternative approach is seen with apps like Gerald, which offers fee-free cash advances and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options. Gerald generates revenue through partnerships when users shop within its ecosystem, allowing it to forgo typical service fees. To access a fee-free cash advance transfer, users first need to utilize a BNPL advance. For users with supported banks, Gerald even offers instant transfers at no extra cost, showcasing how technology can enable innovative, user-centric financial models.

The Future of Instant Finance Tech

The technology behind instant cash advance apps continues to evolve. We can expect further integration of AI for personalization and risk assessment, broader adoption of real-time payment networks, and enhanced security measures like biometric authentication. As developers push the boundaries, the goal remains to provide faster, safer, and more accessible financial tools.

[harshathusm]

Use Cases of Artificial Intelligence in the Banking Sector

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the banking sector by enhancing operational efficiency and customer experiences. AI-powered chatbots improve customer support, while fraud detection systems secure transactions in real time. Predictive analytics helps banks understand customer behavior and offer personalized services. Additionally, AI streamlines loan processing and credit scoring, ensuring faster approvals. By integrating AI, banks can drive innovation and stay competitive.

USM Business Systems stands out as the best mobile app development company, delivering AI-driven solutions tailored for the banking sector.

USM Business Systems

Services:

Mobile app development

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

Android app development

RPA

Big data

HR Management

Workforce Management

IoT

IOS App Development

Cloud Migration

[teg-report]

Quantum Computing Is Here, and It’s About to Change Everything

Imagine a world where your favorite apps load in the blink of an eye. In this world, doctors discover life-saving drugs in weeks instead of years. Your AI assistant actually gets you. Sounds futuristic, right? Thanks to the advent of quantum computing chips, that future is just around the corner. Buckle up, because this isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a total revolution. Your Daily Tech Just Got…

[fincrif]

How Are Blockchain and Smart Contracts Revolutionizing Personal Loans?

Introduction

The personal loan industry is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to emerging technologies like blockchain and smart contracts. These innovations are making loan processing faster, more secure, and transparent. Traditional personal loan processes often involve lengthy paperwork, high-interest rates, and bureaucratic delays. However, with blockchain-powered lending, borrowers can experience streamlined approvals, reduced costs, and improved security.

As digital finance continues to evolve, understanding how blockchain and smart contracts impact the personal loan sector is crucial for both lenders and borrowers. This article explores how these technologies work and their benefits in revolutionizing the lending landscape.

What Is Blockchain and How Does It Apply to Personal Loans?

Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger technology that records transactions securely and transparently. Unlike traditional banking systems, where a central authority controls loan transactions, blockchain ensures that all records are immutable and tamper-proof.

Key Features of Blockchain in Lending:

Decentralization – Eliminates the need for intermediaries like banks and credit agencies.

Transparency – Every transaction is recorded and accessible to relevant parties.

Security – Reduces fraud and unauthorized data access.

Efficiency – Speeds up loan approvals and fund disbursements.

By integrating blockchain, personal loan providers can reduce inefficiencies, making borrowing more accessible and affordable.

What Are Smart Contracts and Their Role in Personal Loans?

Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with terms directly written into code. These contracts automatically execute actions when predefined conditions are met, eliminating the need for intermediaries.

How Smart Contracts Work in Personal Lending:

Borrower Applies for a Loan – Details like loan amount, interest rate, and tenure are recorded on a blockchain.

Smart Contract Verification – The contract checks the borrower's credentials using blockchain data.

Automatic Loan Approval – If all criteria are met, the smart contract executes the loan agreement.

Instant Fund Disbursement – Upon approval, funds are transferred without manual intervention.

Automated Repayment Tracking – Payments are automatically deducted and recorded on the blockchain.

With smart contracts, borrowers benefit from a seamless lending experience, while lenders reduce risks associated with fraud and late repayments.

Benefits of Blockchain and Smart Contracts in Personal Loans

1. Faster Loan Approvals and Disbursements

Traditional personal loan applications can take days or weeks for approval due to manual verification. With blockchain and smart contracts:

Real-time verification speeds up approval processes.

Instant fund transfers ensure quick access to borrowed funds.

Automated underwriting reduces paperwork and delays.

2. Increased Security and Fraud Prevention

One of the biggest challenges in lending is fraud and identity theft. Blockchain technology mitigates these risks by:

Creating tamper-proof transaction records.

Eliminating data manipulation through decentralized verification.

Ensuring borrower identity verification using encrypted blockchain records.

3. Reduced Costs for Borrowers

Banks and traditional lenders charge high processing fees and interest rates due to administrative overheads. Blockchain-based personal loans minimize these costs by:

Removing middlemen like banks and credit agencies.

Lowering transaction fees using decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.

Providing competitive interest rates through peer-to-peer lending.

4. Transparency and Trust in Lending

Blockchain records all transactions publicly, ensuring transparency in lending agreements. Borrowers and lenders can:

Track loan agreements in real time.

Avoid hidden fees or unfair lending terms.

Ensure compliance with agreed-upon loan conditions.

5. Improved Accessibility to Credit

Many individuals lack a formal credit history, making it difficult to obtain loans from traditional banks. Blockchain lending platforms use alternative credit assessment models, enabling:

Loans for the unbanked and underbanked populations.

Alternative credit scoring using transaction history and blockchain reputation.

Financial inclusion for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners.

The Rise of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) in Personal Loans

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is a blockchain-based financial ecosystem that eliminates intermediaries, allowing direct lending and borrowing between individuals.

Features of DeFi Lending:

Smart contract-based lending platforms.

Lower interest rates compared to traditional banks.

Access to global lenders without geographical restrictions.

Popular DeFi lending platforms like Aave, Compound, and MakerDAO are already revolutionizing the way personal loans are issued, making borrowing easier and more cost-effective.

Challenges and Risks of Blockchain-Based Personal Loans

Despite its advantages, blockchain lending faces some challenges:

1. Regulatory Uncertainty

Governments and financial institutions are still working on regulations for blockchain-based personal loans, which could impact widespread adoption.

2. Volatility in Crypto-Backed Loans

Some blockchain loans are backed by cryptocurrencies, which are highly volatile, posing risks for borrowers and lenders.

3. Technical Complexity

Borrowers may need basic knowledge of blockchain and digital wallets, making accessibility a challenge for non-tech-savvy individuals.

4. Limited Consumer Protection

Unlike traditional banks, blockchain-based lending platforms may lack consumer protection mechanisms in case of disputes or fraud.

The Future of Blockchain in the Personal Loan Market

As blockchain and smart contracts gain acceptance, the personal loan industry is expected to undergo further innovations:

1. Mainstream Adoption of Blockchain-Based Lending

More traditional banks may integrate blockchain technology into their lending processes for faster approvals and increased security.

2. Government-Backed Blockchain Lending Platforms

Governments may introduce blockchain-based loan programs to enhance financial inclusion and transparency.

3. AI and Blockchain Integration for Enhanced Credit Scoring

Combining AI with blockchain will enable more accurate borrower assessments, leading to fairer lending practices.

4. Smart Loans with Customizable Terms

Future personal loans may be fully customizable, allowing borrowers to set their preferred repayment structures and interest rates through AI-driven smart contracts.

Conclusion

Blockchain and smart contracts are revolutionizing the personal loan industry by making lending faster, more transparent, and secure. These technologies eliminate the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and improving accessibility for borrowers worldwide. While challenges like regulatory uncertainty and crypto volatility remain, the future of blockchain lending looks promising.

As financial institutions and fintech companies continue to innovate, borrowers can expect a seamless and efficient personal loan experience in the years to come. Understanding how blockchain-based lending works today will help individuals make informed borrowing decisions and take advantage of future advancements in digital finance.

[maal-wave]

Are Budgeting Apps secure?

[communistkenobi]

I think the psychology of Jeremy Renner is very funny, like not as an individual but as a specific location within society. I’m thinking about what Parkins (and Engels and etc) said about the petit-bourgeoisie being marked by a deep abiding terror over the instability of their own fortunes, that unlike the aristocracy there is not the same institutional guarantee of intergenerational class reproduction, and so the middle classes are terrified of every shadow on the wall for fear it could ruin them financially. So strong is this terror that this is a subjectivity inhabited by successful and unsuccessful people alike. And I’m also thinking about that Indigo F video essay about the gaylor phenomenon where they talk about how people who like extremely popular things (like the MCU) feel a deep insecurity over their own mainstream tastes and want to position themselves as being cool in the culture (thus a potential explanation for the gaylor phenomenon as a post-hoc justification for liking the most popular musician on the planet).

And so combining these two things together, to be an actor in something so dominant as the MCU, there also needs to be a similar bourgeois terror/hegemonic insecurity right ? We all heard what Martin Scorsese said about those movies. But at least if you’re Robert Downey Jr you’re something approaching a real actor on top of being one of the A-list stars in said hegemony, so there’s a certain level of security there. But Jeremy Renner is Hawkeye. You are marginal gentry in the McMansion kingdom, but you don’t even get the security of being gentry, you’re just bourgeois. So you create an app themed after yourself. The Jeremy Renner app. That is an articulation of a deep unshakeable terror at your own existence. Every time he appears on camera you can see the horror in his eyes no matter how well he tries to mask it

[my-financials]

Harnessing FinTech: The Future of Personal Finance for Young Adults

🚀 Are you ready to revolutionize your financial world? Dive into our latest article, 'Embracing the Future: How FinTech is Revolutionizing Personal Finance for Millennials'! 🌐

The Rise of Mobile BankingMobile banking has transformed the banking experience. According to a report by Business Insider, over 76% of Americans used mobile banking in 2022. These apps offer features like instant transfers, digital check deposits, and budget tracking, providing young adults with unprecedented control over their finances. Budgeting and Expense Tracking AppsBudgeting apps have…

[elsaclack]

Yeah okay so like I said in the tags of the last post I’m rising from my tumblr grave to say that the ban on TikTok is symptomatic of a MUCH larger and more terrifying problem. Because yes, on its surface it’s silly dances and asmr and cooking videos and whatever, but in truth and at its core, TikTok single-handedly revolutionized the way 170 million Americans communicated with each other AND the rest of the world. Non-Americans love to point out how America-centric Americans are, but fail to realize that we are purposefully raised in an isolated, insulated environment where we are told from basically day 1 that America Is The Best and not to even bother taking a look around because it’s all downhill from outside of here. TikTok has, for MANY Americans, single-handedly destroyed that notion and allowed them (us!!) to broaden our world-view and realize that actually, things are better in other countries, and it did so in a kind, empathetic, and compassionate way.

And yeah most people wake up to the truth of that on their own as they get older, but holy shit!! The VAST majority of the Americans on TikTok are millennials and gen z (and even some older gen alpha)!! People who are becoming disillusioned with “The American Dream” (said with the HEAVIEST sarcasm) while they’re still school-aged or are just entering young-adulthood!! People who are entering - or TRYING to enter - the American workforce who suddenly have an unfiltered window into non-American lives and are wondering why tf we’re struggling and penny-pinching and toeing the line of poverty while our rich elected officials sit around and fight and argue over everything that actually matters to the citizens they supposedly represent and get richer all the while. THAT is why they’re banning the app, and that fact alone should terrify every single American citizen.

Not to mention the precedent it sets for other social media platforms!! You think some nebulous, unproven, and unfounded “threat to national security” will stop with TikTok?? They’ve already censored Adult Material on tumblr, who’s gonna stop them from coming back and doing it again or getting rid of it altogether for the exact same reason? It’s a blatant act of censorship and a direct attack on the American first amendment right to free speech.

NOTHING radicalized me the way tiktok did. I watched people in my life who were STAUNCH Trump supporters in 2016 AND 2020 wake up to the truth and vote blue for the first time in their lives BECAUSE OF TIKTOK, and did so with al the nuanced understanding that even Democrats are severely failing this country, but are at least better than the alternative. That level of awareness and presence in the average US citizen scares American politicians.

The fact that the vast majority of them - including the ones loudly opposing the ban!! - bought stock in Meta BEFORE the ban was legalized/upheld by the Supreme Court?? That Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk were legally allowed to lobby congress to ban TikTok when BOTH stood to DIRECTLY financially gain from their biggest competitor being banned in the US and are guilty of unethically gathering data and selling it to MULTIPLE third parties?? The fact that Trump is now teasing that he may or may not intervene to save TikTok when he was the one who talked about banning it in the first place AND ALSO OWNS HIS OWN COMPETING SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM??

It’s the burning of Alexandria. It’s the loss of a significant chunk of culture. It’s the sharp and sudden loss of contact with the rest of the world for more than half of all American citizens. It’s the loss of $240 BILLION dollars in the GDP when the country is already TRILLIONS of dollars in debt. And on an individualistic level, it’s the loss of millions of small businesses and primary income streams for so many individuals and families who found their primary audience on TikTok. Is the app perfect? HELL no. Are there significant changes needed to make it a safe environment for all users? ABSOLUTELY. But that can also be said of ANY social media platform. TikTok openly fostered connection and communication and creativity and compassion that is completely unique to that platform! It made so many people - myself included!! - feel less alone. I get the feeling I know what the general consensus is about TikTok on this site, but the ban on this app should scare the shit out of everyone.