Alex Turvy
@alexturvy.bsky.social
Internet culture researcher | PhD Candidate in Sociology | alexturvy.com
Pinned
Alex Turvy
@alexturvy.bsky.social
· Jul 21
New article out with Dr. Crystal Abidin in Policy & Internet:
We analyze what happens when young people become internet-famous on TikTok—and neither legal protections nor platform policies are enough to address the risks they face.
The gaps are filled, unevenly, by the TikTok public.
We analyze what happens when young people become internet-famous on TikTok—and neither legal protections nor platform policies are enough to address the risks they face.
The gaps are filled, unevenly, by the TikTok public.
New article out with Dr. Crystal Abidin in Policy & Internet:
We analyze what happens when young people become internet-famous on TikTok—and neither legal protections nor platform policies are enough to address the risks they face.
The gaps are filled, unevenly, by the TikTok public.
We analyze what happens when young people become internet-famous on TikTok—and neither legal protections nor platform policies are enough to address the risks they face.
The gaps are filled, unevenly, by the TikTok public.
July 21, 2025 at 1:40 PM
New article out with Dr. Crystal Abidin in Policy & Internet:
We analyze what happens when young people become internet-famous on TikTok—and neither legal protections nor platform policies are enough to address the risks they face.
The gaps are filled, unevenly, by the TikTok public.
We analyze what happens when young people become internet-famous on TikTok—and neither legal protections nor platform policies are enough to address the risks they face.
The gaps are filled, unevenly, by the TikTok public.
think that this point right here is so, so central to what *socio*technical research can offer in this moment.
The backend “algorithm” is (sort of) an unknowable black box, but the stuff we can see is far more interesting and relevant.
The backend “algorithm” is (sort of) an unknowable black box, but the stuff we can see is far more interesting and relevant.
January 20, 2025 at 4:37 PM
think that this point right here is so, so central to what *socio*technical research can offer in this moment.
The backend “algorithm” is (sort of) an unknowable black box, but the stuff we can see is far more interesting and relevant.
The backend “algorithm” is (sort of) an unknowable black box, but the stuff we can see is far more interesting and relevant.
This is what I get for making predictions.
January 19, 2025 at 5:34 PM
This is what I get for making predictions.
Sharing @rscarlets.bsky.social and I’s piece again given what’s going on today - such a moment of uncertainty given Trump’s explicit push for the Court to delay vs. their seeming openness to uphold the law today.
www.techpolicy.press/the-tiktok-b...
www.techpolicy.press/the-tiktok-b...
The TikTok Ban Paradox: How Platform Restrictions Create What They Aim to Prevent | TechPolicy.Press
Alex Turvy and Dr. Rebecca Scharlach write that the US TikTok ban reveals the limitations of current government regulatory paradigms.
www.techpolicy.press
January 10, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Sharing @rscarlets.bsky.social and I’s piece again given what’s going on today - such a moment of uncertainty given Trump’s explicit push for the Court to delay vs. their seeming openness to uphold the law today.
www.techpolicy.press/the-tiktok-b...
www.techpolicy.press/the-tiktok-b...
Reposted by Alex Turvy
Alex Turvy and Dr. Rebecca Scharlach write that the US TikTok ban reveals the paradoxes and limitations of current government regulatory paradigms.
The TikTok Ban Paradox: How Platform Restrictions Create What They Aim to Prevent | TechPolicy.Press
Alex Turvy and Dr. Rebecca Scharlach write that the US TikTok ban reveals the limitations of current government regulatory paradigms.
buff.ly
December 18, 2024 at 2:02 PM
Alex Turvy and Dr. Rebecca Scharlach write that the US TikTok ban reveals the paradoxes and limitations of current government regulatory paradigms.
Reposted by Alex Turvy
My brill friends @rscarlets.bsky.social & @alexturvy.bsky.social remind us that bans "aim to reduce risks but instead fragment oversight, drive users to less regulated spaces, and reduce transparency while claiming to increase security" 🔥👇
New piece with @rscarlets.bsky.social : The TikTok ban won't work—it'll create exactly what it claims to prevent. Bans don't eliminate platforms, they transform them into less governable forms. Our analysis of the paradox at the heart of platform restrictions:
www.techpolicy.press/the-tiktok-b...
www.techpolicy.press/the-tiktok-b...
The TikTok Ban Paradox: How Platform Restrictions Create What They Aim to Prevent | TechPolicy.Press
Alex Turvy and Dr. Rebecca Scharlach write that the US TikTok ban reveals the limitations of current government regulatory paradigms.
www.techpolicy.press
December 18, 2024 at 5:12 PM
My brill friends @rscarlets.bsky.social & @alexturvy.bsky.social remind us that bans "aim to reduce risks but instead fragment oversight, drive users to less regulated spaces, and reduce transparency while claiming to increase security" 🔥👇
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/18/us/politics/supreme-court-tiktok-ban.html
t.co
December 18, 2024 at 4:31 PM
New piece with @rscarlets.bsky.social : The TikTok ban won't work—it'll create exactly what it claims to prevent. Bans don't eliminate platforms, they transform them into less governable forms. Our analysis of the paradox at the heart of platform restrictions:
www.techpolicy.press/the-tiktok-b...
www.techpolicy.press/the-tiktok-b...
The TikTok Ban Paradox: How Platform Restrictions Create What They Aim to Prevent | TechPolicy.Press
Alex Turvy and Dr. Rebecca Scharlach write that the US TikTok ban reveals the limitations of current government regulatory paradigms.
www.techpolicy.press
December 18, 2024 at 2:19 PM
New piece with @rscarlets.bsky.social : The TikTok ban won't work—it'll create exactly what it claims to prevent. Bans don't eliminate platforms, they transform them into less governable forms. Our analysis of the paradox at the heart of platform restrictions:
www.techpolicy.press/the-tiktok-b...
www.techpolicy.press/the-tiktok-b...
In the meantime -- making the use of my daily Research API credits while I still can.
December 17, 2024 at 8:33 PM
In the meantime -- making the use of my daily Research API credits while I still can.
Now that I've done my best impression of a lawyer, I want to offer a few deeper considerations as a researcher:
1️⃣TikTok’s “U.S. company” framing
2️⃣The illusion of free speech neutrality
3️⃣The global power struggle over platforms
This case is about way more than TikTok. 🧵
1️⃣TikTok’s “U.S. company” framing
2️⃣The illusion of free speech neutrality
3️⃣The global power struggle over platforms
This case is about way more than TikTok. 🧵
As expected, TikTok filed their emergency injunction yesterday. With the disclaimer that I am not a lawyer, here's what they're arguing -- a thread:🧵
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24...
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24...
www.supremecourt.gov
December 17, 2024 at 8:10 PM
Now that I've done my best impression of a lawyer, I want to offer a few deeper considerations as a researcher:
1️⃣TikTok’s “U.S. company” framing
2️⃣The illusion of free speech neutrality
3️⃣The global power struggle over platforms
This case is about way more than TikTok. 🧵
1️⃣TikTok’s “U.S. company” framing
2️⃣The illusion of free speech neutrality
3️⃣The global power struggle over platforms
This case is about way more than TikTok. 🧵
As expected, TikTok filed their emergency injunction yesterday. With the disclaimer that I am not a lawyer, here's what they're arguing -- a thread:🧵
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24...
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24...
www.supremecourt.gov
December 17, 2024 at 7:55 PM
As expected, TikTok filed their emergency injunction yesterday. With the disclaimer that I am not a lawyer, here's what they're arguing -- a thread:🧵
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24...
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24...
Met with Zuckerberg within the last two weeks, now this. Feels like everything about this TikTok ban might hinge on this meeting.
President-elect Trump is meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew ahead of a possible U.S. ban for the video app, a source familiar with the plans says.
Trump meets with TikTok CEO as video app challenges potential ban
President-elect Donald Trump tried to ban TikTok in 2020 but was blocked by the courts. He has since changed his position on the issue.
www.nbcnews.com
December 17, 2024 at 12:58 AM
Met with Zuckerberg within the last two weeks, now this. Feels like everything about this TikTok ban might hinge on this meeting.
A friend (h/t @kjfernelius.bsky.social ) sent me @bigblackjacobin.bsky.social 's (excellent) piece written in response to this -- sharing in case anyone hasn't seen this like me.
I actually think both are right, but Ongweso is making a deeper and more critical point.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
I actually think both are right, but Ongweso is making a deeper and more critical point.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
December 9, 2024 at 6:34 PM
A friend (h/t @kjfernelius.bsky.social ) sent me @bigblackjacobin.bsky.social 's (excellent) piece written in response to this -- sharing in case anyone hasn't seen this like me.
I actually think both are right, but Ongweso is making a deeper and more critical point.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
I actually think both are right, but Ongweso is making a deeper and more critical point.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Factors the court will weigh in deciding whether to grant it:
1️⃣ Irreparable harm: Would TikTok suffer damage that can’t be undone?
2️⃣ Likelihood of success: Does TikTok have a strong case?
3️⃣ Public policy interests: What’s best for the public?
TikTok will likely lean heavily on irreparable harm.
1️⃣ Irreparable harm: Would TikTok suffer damage that can’t be undone?
2️⃣ Likelihood of success: Does TikTok have a strong case?
3️⃣ Public policy interests: What’s best for the public?
TikTok will likely lean heavily on irreparable harm.
Here we go - injunction filed, now we wait and see if they grant it.
December 9, 2024 at 6:17 PM
Factors the court will weigh in deciding whether to grant it:
1️⃣ Irreparable harm: Would TikTok suffer damage that can’t be undone?
2️⃣ Likelihood of success: Does TikTok have a strong case?
3️⃣ Public policy interests: What’s best for the public?
TikTok will likely lean heavily on irreparable harm.
1️⃣ Irreparable harm: Would TikTok suffer damage that can’t be undone?
2️⃣ Likelihood of success: Does TikTok have a strong case?
3️⃣ Public policy interests: What’s best for the public?
TikTok will likely lean heavily on irreparable harm.
Here we go - injunction filed, now we wait and see if they grant it.
December 9, 2024 at 4:49 PM
Here we go - injunction filed, now we wait and see if they grant it.
Great, simple framing from @caseynewton.bsky.social:
"The first camp, which I associate with the external critics, holds that AI is fake and sucks.
The second camp, which I associate more with the internal critics, believes that AI is real and dangerous."
www.platformer.news/ai-skeptics-...
"The first camp, which I associate with the external critics, holds that AI is fake and sucks.
The second camp, which I associate more with the internal critics, believes that AI is real and dangerous."
www.platformer.news/ai-skeptics-...
The phony comforts of AI skepticism
It’s fun to say that artificial intelligence is fake and sucks — but evidence is mounting that it’s real and dangerous
www.platformer.news
December 8, 2024 at 4:43 PM
Great, simple framing from @caseynewton.bsky.social:
"The first camp, which I associate with the external critics, holds that AI is fake and sucks.
The second camp, which I associate more with the internal critics, believes that AI is real and dangerous."
www.platformer.news/ai-skeptics-...
"The first camp, which I associate with the external critics, holds that AI is fake and sucks.
The second camp, which I associate more with the internal critics, believes that AI is real and dangerous."
www.platformer.news/ai-skeptics-...
For...lots of reasons, it's time for me to start actually figuring out how I want to use the TikTok Research API that I got access to a while back but haven't yet used.
If you've spent time with it (I've seen the excellent @icsjournal.bsky.social audit article), DM me / reply, I'd love to chat.
If you've spent time with it (I've seen the excellent @icsjournal.bsky.social audit article), DM me / reply, I'd love to chat.
December 8, 2024 at 4:17 PM
For...lots of reasons, it's time for me to start actually figuring out how I want to use the TikTok Research API that I got access to a while back but haven't yet used.
If you've spent time with it (I've seen the excellent @icsjournal.bsky.social audit article), DM me / reply, I'd love to chat.
If you've spent time with it (I've seen the excellent @icsjournal.bsky.social audit article), DM me / reply, I'd love to chat.
Discords and Telegrams thrive on trust, intimacy, and controlled access—classic dark forest spaces. A splintered or VPN-driven TikTok could invert that: a semi-public, semi-hidden arena where creativity still chases reach but under new constraints. What cultural forms emerge here?
Don’t miss this fascinating new interview with @kickstarter.com & @metalabel.bsky.social co-founder Yancey Strickler on my lab’s podcast, Looks Like New: https://lookslikenew.net/podcast/is-online-life-heading-into-dark-forests/
Is online life heading into dark forests? – Looks Like New
lookslikenew.net
December 7, 2024 at 7:47 PM
Discords and Telegrams thrive on trust, intimacy, and controlled access—classic dark forest spaces. A splintered or VPN-driven TikTok could invert that: a semi-public, semi-hidden arena where creativity still chases reach but under new constraints. What cultural forms emerge here?
For TikTok researchers, this feels like a stressful moment—potential bans, disrupted projects, uncertain futures. But it’s also a moment of opportunity. Disruption opens new angles and questions. Here are 5 provocations to spark fresh insights in a rapidly changing landscape. 🧵
December 7, 2024 at 7:06 PM
For TikTok researchers, this feels like a stressful moment—potential bans, disrupted projects, uncertain futures. But it’s also a moment of opportunity. Disruption opens new angles and questions. Here are 5 provocations to spark fresh insights in a rapidly changing landscape. 🧵
SCENARIO 4 THREAD - THE BAN TAKES EFFECT:
1/4 Precedent setting: Enforcing a ban on TikTok would mark the first time Congress has prohibited a specific platform (as far as I know, not a legal expert), raising questions about future thresholds for national security risks.
1/4 Precedent setting: Enforcing a ban on TikTok would mark the first time Congress has prohibited a specific platform (as far as I know, not a legal expert), raising questions about future thresholds for national security risks.
December 7, 2024 at 6:54 PM
SCENARIO 4 THREAD - THE BAN TAKES EFFECT:
1/4 Precedent setting: Enforcing a ban on TikTok would mark the first time Congress has prohibited a specific platform (as far as I know, not a legal expert), raising questions about future thresholds for national security risks.
1/4 Precedent setting: Enforcing a ban on TikTok would mark the first time Congress has prohibited a specific platform (as far as I know, not a legal expert), raising questions about future thresholds for national security risks.
SCENARIO 3 THREAD – SUPREME COURT INTERVENTION:
1/6 TikTok's Legal Battle: TikTok plans to appeal to the Supreme Court and seek a "stay" to halt enforcement during the appeal process. If granted, this stay would allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. until a final decision is made.
1/6 TikTok's Legal Battle: TikTok plans to appeal to the Supreme Court and seek a "stay" to halt enforcement during the appeal process. If granted, this stay would allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. until a final decision is made.
December 7, 2024 at 6:53 PM
SCENARIO 3 THREAD – SUPREME COURT INTERVENTION:
1/6 TikTok's Legal Battle: TikTok plans to appeal to the Supreme Court and seek a "stay" to halt enforcement during the appeal process. If granted, this stay would allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. until a final decision is made.
1/6 TikTok's Legal Battle: TikTok plans to appeal to the Supreme Court and seek a "stay" to halt enforcement during the appeal process. If granted, this stay would allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. until a final decision is made.
SCENARIO 2 THREAD - THE TRUMP WORKAROUND:
1/6: For me -- feels like a classic case of the 'I'd like to see ol Donny Trump wriggle out of THIS jam' dynamic.
1/6: For me -- feels like a classic case of the 'I'd like to see ol Donny Trump wriggle out of THIS jam' dynamic.
December 7, 2024 at 6:46 PM
SCENARIO 2 THREAD - THE TRUMP WORKAROUND:
1/6: For me -- feels like a classic case of the 'I'd like to see ol Donny Trump wriggle out of THIS jam' dynamic.
1/6: For me -- feels like a classic case of the 'I'd like to see ol Donny Trump wriggle out of THIS jam' dynamic.
SCENARIO 1 THREAD - THE DIVESTMENT:
1/5 ByteDance divests U.S. ops. But here's the twist: Chinese regulations prohibit the sale of TikTok's proprietary algorithm. Any buyer would acquire the platform's basic infrastructure and IP only -- what is TikTok without its ostensibly defining technology?
1/5 ByteDance divests U.S. ops. But here's the twist: Chinese regulations prohibit the sale of TikTok's proprietary algorithm. Any buyer would acquire the platform's basic infrastructure and IP only -- what is TikTok without its ostensibly defining technology?
December 7, 2024 at 6:42 PM
SCENARIO 1 THREAD - THE DIVESTMENT:
1/5 ByteDance divests U.S. ops. But here's the twist: Chinese regulations prohibit the sale of TikTok's proprietary algorithm. Any buyer would acquire the platform's basic infrastructure and IP only -- what is TikTok without its ostensibly defining technology?
1/5 ByteDance divests U.S. ops. But here's the twist: Chinese regulations prohibit the sale of TikTok's proprietary algorithm. Any buyer would acquire the platform's basic infrastructure and IP only -- what is TikTok without its ostensibly defining technology?
Key TikTok scenarios after court upholds ban:
1️⃣ ByteDance divests to U.S. buyer
2️⃣ Trump finds administrative workaround
3️⃣ Supreme Court intervenes
4️⃣ Ban takes effect
5️⃣ Am I missing another path?
Each path holds strange complications. 🧵
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/06/b...
1️⃣ ByteDance divests to U.S. buyer
2️⃣ Trump finds administrative workaround
3️⃣ Supreme Court intervenes
4️⃣ Ban takes effect
5️⃣ Am I missing another path?
Each path holds strange complications. 🧵
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/06/b...
TikTok Faces U.S. Ban After Appeals Court Denies Bid to Overturn New Law
The law will ban the video app in the United States by Jan. 19 if its owner, ByteDance, does not sell it to a non-Chinese company.
www.nytimes.com
December 7, 2024 at 6:38 PM
Key TikTok scenarios after court upholds ban:
1️⃣ ByteDance divests to U.S. buyer
2️⃣ Trump finds administrative workaround
3️⃣ Supreme Court intervenes
4️⃣ Ban takes effect
5️⃣ Am I missing another path?
Each path holds strange complications. 🧵
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/06/b...
1️⃣ ByteDance divests to U.S. buyer
2️⃣ Trump finds administrative workaround
3️⃣ Supreme Court intervenes
4️⃣ Ban takes effect
5️⃣ Am I missing another path?
Each path holds strange complications. 🧵
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/06/b...