What is REDnote and why are TikTokers obsessed with it?

With the upcoming TikTok ban set for January 19, 2025 upheld by the Supreme Court, TikTok users have been in a frenzy trying to find a new platform that grants a similar space for content creation and self expression. Mere days before the ban, millions have switched to an app called RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu. 

TikTok’s ban stems from what has been argued to be a “national security risk”. TikTok was thought to have data breaches that allowed data to be seized by the Chinese government — there have been real concerns surrounding Chinese-based employees accessing unauthorized user data, as detailed in a 2022 report. However, to clarify, TikTok is not Chinese-owned. TikTok is under a parent company called ByteDance that is based in China, however TikTok’s US operations run out of Los Angeles and Singapore.  TikTok themselves have set to clear the air answering all myths about affiliations with China and the Chinese government through their newsroom.

Although the Supreme Court was valid in posing national security concerns, how does it affect the public perception of safety and global relations with China? The answer unfortunately leads to xenophobia. Xenophobia refers to prejudice and discrimination against those from other countries. Research has shown that 81% of the US adult population see China unfavorably, with 43% seeing China in a very unfavorable light. 

There is a difference in disagreeing with government and policy versus hating on an entire race. As it is fair to disagree with censorship policy and restrictive laws, it is another to hate on the people who also face the brunt end of these government decisions. This has become a rising concern as Tiktok users migrate to RedNote. Former TikTok users, calling themselves TikTok refugees, have begun to interact with Chinese users, which for the most part has led to fruitful connection as welcoming arms are exchanged. 

However, there is to be a larger conversation about the respect of Chinese culture and the language of Mandarin. There have been unsavory comments being left on Chinese users’ content being racist towards them, and bolstering a stereotype of Chinese people. Many American users have also found humor in translating anything into Mandarin, without any regards to the fact that in doing so, they are making a mockery out of the language. 

The ban of TikTok, although erasing years of a cultural phenomena, has opened the opportunity for Americans to meet and connect with those who they have previously barred as unfavorable, yet it looks like the outcome has split. The choice to disrespect the Chinese people, on a platform that they find to be their safe space online, is an individual choice. For those making the transition to RedNote, it is important to remember the humanity behind anyone, regardless of race or nationality. Simply being behind a screen thousands of miles away does not give any good reason to being discriminatory.