[andrewflnr]

Even if we grant that US-based apps give similar access to the USG (I don't know, I just know it's a likely claim that I don't care to dispute), it's ludicrous to say that it's just as acceptable to give that access to the Chinese government. If you think those are equivalent you have not been paying attention.

[mistermann]

Is there adequate content in my short comment that substantiates the full model you've formed of my stance in your mind?

Ironically, if you tune your TikTok feed carefully, it can offer plenty of great learning material on human psychology and cultural cognition, I highly recommend it.

I also recommend the YouTube channel Asian Boss, I enjoy watching how frequently Asian people pause to think before answering questions posed to them, they seem unable to immediately know the correct answer like most westerners.

[andrewflnr]

You quote "evidence is worse than" for emphasis, suggesting that you don't find that standard to be met by evidence that TikTok gives major inside access to an actively repressive and genocidal government. That suggests you think other social platforms are equal or worse, somehow, but you don't give any basis for that idea. Indeed your commentary consists entirely of snarky side tangents, rather than actual arguments. If you mean something other than the obvious interpretation, you best be explicit.

[mistermann]

> Indeed your commentary consists entirely of snarky side tangents

I informed you that you are describing a model. And asked you a question about it, which you did not answer.

You are presenting your uncharitable take as representative of my stance, and then knocking it down with ease.

Might the same be happening with China in discussions in Western media (mainstream, social, etc)?

How could "worseness" of various platforms and these two countries even be calculated in a reasonably objective, unbiased manner? Is such a thing even possible?

[andrewflnr]

I explained the part of my model that actually exists quite explicitly. Perhaps you are making unwarranted assumptions about my assumptions? (Two can play the snarky pseudo-Socratic question game)

[mistermann]

Perhaps I am, and I would very much like to know what those are if you don't mind sharing.

But for clarity: do you believe your performance here to be error free?

[andrewflnr]

Oh, you can make smug insinuations about how I'm misunderstanding you, but you expect me to be fully explicit. I've said all I'm going to.