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Why You Should Avoid TikTok, According to the Guy Who Reverse Engineered the App

If you use social media, you must be aware that basically none of them have your best interests at heart, they’re all selling your information, and they would all send you straight down the river if they thought they could make a buck.

Facebook and Instagram have had their scandals, but according to a Reddit user who is also a senior software engineer with over 15 years of experience, they’re secure havens compared to Chinese-based TikTok.

In his post, he strongly recommends people avoid the app entirely, which is a bit concerning, given that it’s the 4th most popular free iPhone app available.

He starts out saying that the app is basically just a data collection server that pretends to be a social media app, and details all of the ways they collect information on their users.

Image Credit: Reddit

The scariest part, for him at least, is how the app is programmed to block people trying to learn how it works, or trying to “debug” it so the data collection stops.

Image Credit: Reddit

They’re leaking not only email addresses, but names and birthdays, too.

Image Credit: Reddit

And, they have plenty of tricks up their sleeves to get people addicted/keep them on the platform.

Image Credit: Reddit

Basically, they know exactly what they’re doing, and they’re barely trying to hide it from people who know where to look.

Image Credit: Reddit

It’s not just business as usual, either.

Image Credit: Reddit

And here’s your tl;dr.

Image Credit: Reddit

Listen, I don’t have a TikTok because I’m old, but this has definitely convinced me that I don’t need one.

Do you or your kids have TikTok? Are you going to keep it? Tell us why or why not in the comments!