Negative TikTok Reviews Deleted After Rating Drops to 1.2 Stars

DMM daily newsに対して自分の意見を書いた内容を記録しておこうかと思います。今回のトピックはTikTokの話題に関するニュースです。

MAIN SENTENCE:

TikTok's rating on the Google Play store dropped from 4.5 stars to just 1.2 stars in May, leading Google to delete millions of negative reviews.

The rating change happened after Faizal Siddiqui, an Indian social media influencer, posted a video that angered many. In the video, Siddiqui throws liquid on a woman during an argument. Although it was really only water, the woman is later seen in the video wearing makeup that makes it look like her face was burned by acid.

On May 18, India's National Commission for Women sent a letter to TikTok India asking the company to delete the video. The hashtag #BanTikTok also became popular on Twitter.

TikTok received so many one-star reviews on the Google Play store that its rating dropped to 1.2. Google says many of them were from people who made new accounts in order to complain and has since removed over 8 million new negative reviews, bringing the average user rating back up to 4.4.

A TikTok spokesperson told the BBC that the company does not allow videos that show people getting hurt, or that glorify violence against women. It has deleted all copies of the video and also suspended Siddiqui's account, who has since apologized.

TikTok was first launched outside of China in 2017 and has been downloaded by more than 1.5 billion people around the world. In 2019, it was downloaded more than Facebook or Instagram.

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”Questions”

■1:What did India's National Commission for Women ask TikTok to do in its letter?

They asked TikTok to delete the video.

■2:Why did Google remove 8 million negative TikTok reviews?

Because they received so many one-star reviews from users, and many of them were from people who made new accounts in order to complain TikTok.

■3:How many people have downloaded TikTok?

1.5 million people did.

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”Discussion”

■1:What are your thoughts on Faizal Siddiqui's TikTok video?

In my opinion, I basically cannot support him.

His actions may have been taken as one of the recreations or to strengthen his position as an influencer. However, in the end, it only left an impression of discrimination and violence against women.

TikTok should also have had a clear policy and taken strict measures. Possible solutions include increasing the number of moderators and using technology to detect violent scenes using AI systems.

■2:Do you use TikTok? If so, have you uploaded any videos to it? If not, why not?

I use TikTok from time to time. I have never posted a video myself.
This is because personally I am reluctant to disclose personal information.

■3:Do you usually review or rate apps after downloading them? Why? Why not?

I don't write too many reviews. I sometimes give a rating only when I have a strong empathy or impression on the video.

One reason is that the task of rating is simply tedious.

Another reason is that in some cases, there is concern that the emergence of the reviewer may be accompanied by a certain degree of responsibility.

In Japan, for example, a famous female wrestler in her 20s committed suicide last month.
It is believed that one of the major reasons was slander and rumors from followers. After the death of her, a number of accounts disappeared instantly in the news. Even if it is a review, it may have a great influence on others, so I felt that I should take responsibility for its expression.

■4:What social media platforms do you use most? Why?
The social media I use most often is Twitter.

Get information faster than any other information site.
Videos and photos are often uploaded, so you can get more information than text alone.

Information on TV news and newspapers is sometimes manipulated by the intentions of companies and governments, but SNS can find more direct opinions.

■5:Do you follow any influencers on social media? Please explain your answer.

I follow politicians that I consider important. For example Donald Trump and Obama. Other users try to get breaking news sooner, so I'm careful about what they say.

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"Further Discussion"

■1:What was the last app you downloaded? How often do you use it?

I recently downloaded the podcast app. Especially, I often listen to podcasts created by people who use native american english.

For example, CNN can be seen on you tube, but the same content is also provided on podcast.

Once downloaded, I can listen to it offline, so when I am traveling by train, I listen to podcasts to study English and American culture.

■2:What would you say is the most useful app you have on your phone? Please explain your answer.

From a convenience point of view, I think google chrome is the most convenient.

My page in my chrome always shows a news channel and an inbox page for emails. Every time I pick up my phone, I check for updated information.

■3:In your opinion, what is the key to making a successful app? Please explain your answer.

I think the most important thing is whether we can meet the needs of people in need.

I think the recent development of ZOOM is a good example.Due to restrictions on going out, major meetings and classes are now held on ZOOM.

■4:Do you think you'd enjoy working as an app developer? Why? Why not?

For me, the job of app development is fun.

In my opinion, the essence of work is to do something useful to someone who is having trouble living.

As you can see from the ZOOM example above, hit apps are products that can meet unmet needs.

I think that finding these is a great achievement that cannot be achieved without focusing on how to use it for people.

■5:I thought the invention of mobile phone was to save our time and money, but [it is] doing exactly the opposite. — Srinivas Shenoy. What do you make of this statement?

It depends on how you use technology. Technology is there to help and cut down on your time and efforts.

But some people are attached to it like a kid to a toy. If that happens technology would loose its purpose and would do more harm than good.
Smart phones are the best example of such technology, but to utilize it to the fullest, you don't need to become dumb.