Education Secretary Miguel Cardona claims ‘TikTok is the new Google’
Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona Expresses Concerns About TikTok
During his appearance on The View on Friday, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona raised concerns about the growing popularity of TikTok. As the nation celebrated National Education Week, Cardona joined the talk show to address the pressing issues within the U.S. education system. Host Sara Haines specifically asked Cardona about the department’s strategy to combat the rampant misinformation on TikTok, which greatly influences young users on the platform.
“TikTok is the new Google. It’s the new Google. That’s where they get their information,” Cardona emphasized, highlighting the platform’s significant impact on the younger generation.
As a former teacher, Cardona shared an insightful lesson he used to teach his students. He would place Tic Tac mints alongside prescription drug pills, encouraging them to differentiate between the two. This exercise aimed to teach students how to identify and discern misinformation or disinformation.
“That’s what we need to be doing now in our schools and at homes, telling students this is misinformation or disinformation trying to persuade you a certain way,” Cardona explained passionately. “We have to make sure they’re aware of it.”
When asked by Joy Behar about “getting rid” of TikTok, Cardona skillfully avoided a direct answer. While legislators are currently working on a ban against the platform, it currently only applies to government employees, including Cardona himself. However, he subtly hinted that even his own two teenage children use TikTok.
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has faced scrutiny from the White House. The administration has expressed its desire for ByteDance to sell the social media platform, but no progress has been made in that regard.
In September, the Irish Data Protection Commission fined TikTok $365 million for its failure to protect children’s data. A 2021 investigation revealed that the platform was not in compliance with Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation, raising further concerns about user privacy.
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What are Miguel Cardona’s concerns about the impact of TikTok on students’ education?
His perspective on various education issues, including the impact of social media platforms on students’ learning experiences.
Cardona expressed his worries about TikTok’s potential negative effects on students’ education. He believes that while social media platforms can provide valuable opportunities for engagement and connection, they can also be a significant distraction. He emphasized the need for students to strike a balance and use these platforms responsibly.
One of Cardona’s main concerns is the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly through TikTok. With millions of users and videos going viral every day, the platform has become a breeding ground for misinformation, conspiracy theories, and harmful content. Cardona stressed the importance of teaching students critical thinking skills and media literacy to navigate the vast amounts of information available online.
Another issue Cardona highlighted is the addictive nature of TikTok. He cautioned that spending excessive amounts of time on the platform can take away from students’ educational activities, such as completing assignments and studying. Cardona encouraged parents and educators to monitor and discuss their children’s social media usage to ensure it does not interfere with their academic responsibilities.
Furthermore, Cardona expressed concerns about the privacy and safety of TikTok users, particularly young children. With the platform collecting vast amounts of personal data, there is a risk of this information falling into the wrong hands. Cardona called for increased transparency and regulation to protect users, especially minors, from potential harm.
Despite his concerns, Cardona acknowledged that TikTok can also provide unique educational opportunities. Many creators on the platform share informative and educational content that can supplement students’ learning. Cardona encouraged teachers to incorporate TikTok into their lessons and use it as a tool for engagement and teaching important concepts.
In conclusion, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s concerns about TikTok highlight the need for students and educators to approach social media platforms with caution. While TikTok can offer educational benefits, there are also potential pitfalls that need to be addressed. By prioritizing media literacy, limiting screen time, and ensuring privacy and safety, students can make the most of TikTok while safeguarding their education.
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