From TikTok to RedNote: The Ever-Shifting Sands of How We Connect

The discourse—and in some cases outright uproar—surrounding the potential TikTok ban in the United States is more than just a political battle; it's a symptom of the larger, ongoing evolution of how we communicate.

Here at the National Communication Museum (NCM), we explore how technology shapes—and is shaped by—the human need to connect. From the Overland Telegraph to the internet, each new wave of communication technology has promised a revolution, only to be eventually replaced by the next. TikTok is just one of the latest chapters in this ever-evolving story, profoundly impacting how we communicate, connect, and consume information.

The looming TikTok ban in the U.S. arises from national security concerns about its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Despite this, the surge of American users flocking to the Chinese app RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu) suggests a different story. For many TikTok users, the desire to connect with their online communities seems to outweigh concerns about data privacy and security.

What happens next will be fascinating. Will the U.S. persist in banning emerging apps, or will it yield to the unstoppable tide of new platforms? What does this mean for Australians? Should we embrace the change and explore RedNote, or take a wait-and-see approach as this global digital shift unfolds?

From the Overland Telegraph to the internet, each new wave of communication technology has promised a revolution, only to be eventually replaced by the next.

The potential demise of TikTok— and the speed at which people embraced a new platform— highlights a recurring theme: the inherent obsolescence of communication technology. What was once cutting-edge inevitably becomes outdated. Remember MySpace? MSN Messenger? These platforms, once giants of the social media landscape, are now digital relics. Millennials, once fluent in the latest technologies, now stand before our museum displays, featuring objects like the Nokia 3310 or the Motorola Razr, reminiscing about simpler times. Today’s dominant platforms will likely share the same fate. This cyclical nature of technological advancement isn’t inherently negative, it fuels innovation and pushes us towards new, potentially better ways of connecting. Meanwhile, the growing popularity of apps like Brick and ‘dumb phones’ reflects a countertrend; a desire to disconnect from the digital world and embrace more analog, in-person interactions.

This cyclical nature of technological advancement isn’t inherently negative, it fuels innovation and pushes us towards new, potentially better ways of connecting.

The recent Australian social media ban for under-16s has sparked debate online — and no doubt at dinner tables. Critics suggest restrictions will simply drive younger users towards unregulated, potentially less safe digital spaces. History suggests that attempts to control the flow of information online can often cause unintended consequences. We may see the emergence of new platforms and means of connection, free from age restrictions, that could create fresh challenges for regulators and parents alike.

History suggests that attempts to control the flow of information online can often cause unintended consequences.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the way we connect will continue to evolve, often in ways we can’t yet imagine. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated our reliance on digital tools for work, education, and social interaction. Platforms like Zoom, online gaming communities, and virtual events became essential lifelines, showcasing the adaptability of human connection. The metaverse, artificial intelligence, and yet-to-be-invented technologies will undoubtedly shape the next phase of communication.

It’s clear that the way we connect will continue to evolve, often in ways we can’t yet imagine.

At NCM, we’re committed to documenting this journey. Our exhibits capture the triumphs and failures of past communication technologies and in their examination, we reflect on the human condition in a rapidly changing world.

The TikTok ban is a small piece of a much larger puzzle. Rather than fixating on individual platforms, we need a broader conversation about the future of digital communication. How can we ensure new technologies are used responsibly? How do we balance innovation with privacy and security? How can we foster a digital environment that promotes meaningful connection rather than shallow engagement?

These are complex questions with no easy answers, but they are essential for shaping a future where communication technology serves humanity’s needs. As the digital landscape evolves, NCM remains a space for reflection and dialogue, exploring the profound impact of communication technology on our lives. The story of human connection is far from over- it’s just getting started.