Greg Twemlow's Medium article critiques Perplexity's proposal to rebuild TikTok in America, arguing that the platform's success lies in its cultural significance for Gen Z and Alpha, not just its technology. Twemlow asserts that TikTok is a vital space for youth self-expression and rebellion, and Perplexity's technically focused plan overlooks this crucial element. He questions whether Perplexity can maintain TikTok's appeal while imposing controls for "useful" content, suggesting that Gen Z might abandon a platform perceived as overly paternalistic or sanitized. The article concludes that Perplexity's vision prioritises infrastructure over culture, potentially leading to a "cultural walkout" and rendering their rebuilt TikTok valueless. Twemlow suggests true innovation would involve empowering youth creators and respecting TikTok's existing cultural dynamics. Read the article on Medium.
About the Author - Greg Twemlow writes and teaches at the intersection of technology, education, and human judgment. He works with educators and businesses to make AI explainable and assessable in classrooms and boardrooms — to ensure AI users show their process and own their decisions. His cognition protocol, the Context & Critique Rule™, is built on a three-step process: Evidence → Cognition → Discernment — a bridge from what’s scattered to what’s chosen. Context & Critique → Accountable AI™. © 2025 Greg Twemlow. “Context & Critique → Accountable AI” and “Context & Critique Rule” are unregistered trademarks (™).
