As US lawmakers, fueled by a wave of big tech lobbying, press ahead with a potential TikTok ban, a plot twist has emerged. TikTok users are now storming the gates of Chinese apps like RedNote, also known in Chinese as Xiaohongshu, which translates to Little Red Book. Launched in 2013, RedNote began as a platform for product reviews and lifestyle tips but has since evolved into a hybrid of TikTok and Instagram. Boasting over 300 million monthly active users, it is immensely popular among young, urban audiences in China and Mandarin-speaking regions. The irony is palpable as trust in platforms like Facebook and Instagram nosedives amid mounting privacy scandals. Users are trading in familiar digital landscapes for RedNote, an app that primarily operates in Mandarin and offers minimal English support. This migration of TikTok refugees is not just a switch in platforms but a collision of global digital cultures and a stark commentary on the shifting tides of trust in social media.

The TikTok Ban A Tipping Point
The US Supreme Court is set to decide on legislation requiring TikTok with its 170 million US users to either divest its American operations or face a ban. Concerns about data security and alleged Chinese government influence have fueled this decision. Despite TikTok’s arguments that a ban would infringe on free speech, the platform’s fate hangs in the balance. For users, this threat has sparked widespread resentment, as many see the ban as a violation of their digital freedom. In what feels like a collective act of protest, users are refusing to return to US based platforms like Facebook and Instagram, instead choosing to flock en masse to RedNote. Already popular among young, urban audiences in Mandarin speaking regions, RedNote is now the unexpected beneficiary of this movement. Blending TikTok’s video sharing capabilities with Instagram’s aesthetic, the platform has become the new digital refuge for those seeking to preserve their communities and content while making a statement against what they perceive as unfair policies.
Creators on TikTok are actively protesting what they perceive as a hypocritical stance on the platform being banned due to concerns over data collection and privacy. They argue that US based companies have long engaged in arguably worse practices regarding personal privacy and data security, with extensive track records of questionable behavior. This protest has fueled broader conversations about double standards in data governance and the transparency of corporate practices. The creators’ outcry sheds light on the larger issue of global internet governance and raises questions about whether the ban is truly about data security or part of a larger geopolitical narrative. At the same time, the RedNote community appears to be welcoming this flood of US users with enthusiasm. This ironic twist an open embrace from a platform based in a country often criticized for its own restrictive internet policies offers a unique opportunity for dialogue. It is hoped that this moment sparks a new level of communication and understanding between users on either side of the Great Firewall, fostering cultural exchange and mutual awareness.
Welcome to RedNote
RedNote has quickly climbed to the top of the US App Store charts, welcoming an influx of new users with a mix of curiosity and chaos. Within days, hashtags like TikTokRefugee have amassed tens of thousands of posts, where users share tips for navigating the app and basic Mandarin phrases. For many, the transition has been smooth, even inspiring. Some users have expressed how RedNote has expanded their understanding of Chinese culture, life, and school, calling the experience incredibly fun. However, others voice concerns about data security and censorship. RedNote’s ties to China have sparked debates reminiscent of those surrounding TikTok. In Taiwan, for example, public officials are barred from using RedNote due to potential security risks.The migration to RedNote has brought together diverse user bases from the East and West. Some Chinese users jokingly call themselves spies, referencing US government concerns about data privacy. Meanwhile, American users view RedNote as an opportunity to expand their creative reach, highlighting how the community has been incredibly welcoming. This cultural exchange is not without its challenges. Many users admitted they did not read RedNote’s terms and conditions, written in Mandarin, underscoring a common sentiment among those eager to preserve their online presence.
Parallels to The Eternal September, 1993
This moment in internet history offers striking parallels to concepts explored in my course Digital Citizenship and Engagement. In September 1993, an event occurred that would fundamentally reshape our understanding of online communities and digital citizenship. Known as “Eternal September” or “The September That Never Ended,” this phenomenon marked a crucial turning point in internet history when America Online (AOL) began offering its users access to Usenet, the precursor to modern social media and discussion forums. Prior to this moment, Usenet was primarily the domain of university students and technology enthusiasts who had developed sophisticated social norms and expectations for online interaction. Each September, universities would grant new students access to these online spaces, leading to a brief period of cultural adjustment as newcomers learned the established conventions. However, these new users would gradually acclimate to the existing culture, maintaining the community’s standards. Everything changed when AOL opened its gates to Usenet. Suddenly, instead of the manageable annual influx of university students, thousands of new users began pouring into these online spaces daily. These newcomers, unfamiliar with established norms and lacking traditional pathways for acculturation, overwhelmed the existing community’s ability to maintain its cultural standards. Simple practices like avoiding unnecessary posts, properly formatting responses, and thoughtfully contributing to discussions gave way to what veterans viewed as chaos.
Similarly, the course examines the projected surge of over 377 million new internet users from Africa by 2029. This new wave, like the Eternal September and the TikTok exodus to RedNote, underscores the tensions between inclusivity, accessibility, and the preservation of online community standards.
As we navigate these challenges, we must consider
- To what extent should existing digital communities adapt to new users, and vice versa
- How can we balance the democratic ideal of universal internet access with the practical need to maintain constructive online discourse
- What lessons from past digital culture clashes can guide us in fostering inclusive and sustainable online communities
The Future of Social Media
In the context of TikTok’s impact, my nuanced opinions are captured in a video lecture I gave about what I In examining TikTok’s impact, I have explored the concept of TikTokification in a recent video lecture. In this lecture, I discuss how TikTok has transformed the attention economy, while also raising important questions regarding content curation, surveillance practices, and the broader ethical implications of social media algorithms. TikTok’s exceptional engagement system and remarkable statistics, such as being the fastest platform to reach one billion users and exceeding Netflix in total watch time, underscore its significant influence. However, this influence extends beyond entertainment, presenting both opportunities and challenges for digital culture. The video delves into these topics in greater detail, and I encourage you to watch and consider how platforms like TikTok are reshaping our online experiences. The embedded video is provided below for further exploration.
The potential TikTok ban and the rise of RedNote underscore a larger question What does the future of social media look like in a fragmented, geopolitically charged internet Platforms like RedNote, which encourage lifestyle sharing and cultural exploration, might signal a new era of social media that blurs boundaries while reinforcing others. For now, the TikTok refugees are adapting to their new digital homeland. Whether they stay will depend on RedNote’s ability to sustain this unexpected wave of users and address their concerns about censorship and security. This moment in history a migration driven by political uncertainty and technological curiosity reflects the evolving relationship between users, platforms, and the governments that seek to regulate them. For now, the world watches as TikTok’s fate unfolds and the Little Red Book writes a new chapter in the social media story.

To achieve meaningful and lasting change in how social media affects our lives, we must draw inspiration from researchers like Jonathan Haidt, whose work highlights the profound impact of social media on adolescent mental health. Haidt’s findings emphasize the critical need for collective action to protect young people from the addictive and harmful effects of these platforms. His research points to a decline in unstructured play and the rise of phone-based childhoods as key contributors to the mental health crisis among teens. By fostering environments that prioritize offline interactions, delaying smartphone and social media access for children, and encouraging legislative reforms, we can begin to reverse these troubling trends. It is only through such concerted efforts that we can create a healthier and more balanced digital future for the next generation.
About the Author
Eric Hawkinson
Learning Futurist
erichawkinson.com
Eric Hawkinson is a Learning Futurist at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, where he focuses on the integration of technology into education. Specializing in the creation of immersive learning environments, Eric employs augmented and virtual reality to enhance learning outcomes. He is an advocate for digital literacy and privacy, promoting open access to information and ethical technology practices. Outside his academic role, Eric is engaged in public outreach and professional development. He has established immersive learning labs, designed online courses, and advised on technology strategies across various sectors. His professional designations include Adobe Education Leader, Google for Education Certified Innovator, and Microsoft Innovative Expert. Eric’s notable projects, such as AR experiences for TEDxKyoto and WebVR for Model United Nations, reflect his commitment to using advanced technologies for global education and collaboration. Eric is dedicated to exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, contributing significantly to the evolution of educational practices.
Roles
Professor – Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
Research Coordinator – MAVR Research Group
Founder – Together Learning
Developer – Reality Labo
Community Leader – Team Teachers
Co-Chair – World Immersive Learning Labs
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