Key Takeaways
- Alternative social media platforms like Lemon8 and Coverstar are gaining popularity among young Australians due to the social media ban.
- Lemon8 has a similar feel to TikTok and Instagram, with a mix of lifestyle, fashion, and wellness content, as well as more extreme and explicit posts.
- Coverstar is a safer alternative to TikTok, with a focus on moderation, parental permission, and a hardline stance against bullying and explicit content.
- Young Australians on these platforms are energetic and optimistic, but may be seeking a new outlet for their online activities.
Introduction to Alternative Social Media Platforms
Previously little-known social media platforms are experiencing a surge in popularity among young Australians, who are seeking shelter from the social media ban in places they previously tended to ignore. As a result, apps like Lemon8 and Coverstar are now at the top of app store charts, attracting users who are looking for new online communities to engage with. These platforms offer a range of features and content, from lifestyle and fashion to extreme sports and entertainment. However, they also raise important questions about online safety, moderation, and the impact of social media on young people.
The World of Lemon8
Lemon8 is one of the most prominent alternative apps, and it feels a lot like a TikTok take on Instagram. Powered by TikTok parent company Bytedance, Lemon8 features grids of images and videos posted by users, as well as an endless scroll of algorithmic "for you" content. The platform has a Wild West feel, with a mix of fairly innocuous skincare and food posts, extreme sports, highly sexualized engagement bait, lewd jokes, and plenty of fake news. While Lemon8 claims to have more lifestyle, fashion, and wellness content than TikTok, the overall vibe is very similar. As a user, it’s possible to feel the algorithm trying to grasp on to the kind of content you want, but this can also lead to increasingly aggressive and generic rants, as well as gun, motorbike, and military content.
The Rise of Coverstar
Another app rising the charts is Coverstar, which is basically TikTok with an extra focus on safety. Coverstar has a number of features that set it apart from other social media platforms, including no direct messages, moderated content, and a hardline stance against bullying, sexualized content, or aggression. Kids need parental permission to start posting, and users can still save or duet videos that others post. While Coverstar may not have the same edgy content as other platforms, it has a fun and lighthearted vibe, with funny kids showing off their own takes on various challenges and trends. However, the lack of explicit content may be a negative for young teens looking for a new outlet for their online activities.
The Energy of Young Australians
Overall, young Australians on these apps have the energy of a gleefully dancing dodgeball player who’s just missed being hit, even if they know their time is coming soon enough. At least, that’s the vibe of the ones bold enough to announce themselves as young Australians on social media. There are many recent posts discussing the desperate move from TikTok to Lemon8 to dodge the ban, some of them charmingly optimistic and others from people who clearly cannot stop turning their every idea into melodramatic content. With AI-generated Albanese replies and other humorous posts, the atmosphere on these platforms is lively and engaging. However, it’s also important to consider the potential risks and challenges associated with social media use, particularly for young people.
Conclusion and Future Directions
As alternative social media platforms continue to gain popularity, it’s essential to think critically about the implications of these trends. While platforms like Lemon8 and Coverstar may offer a temporary refuge for young Australians, they also raise important questions about online safety, moderation, and the impact of social media on mental health and wellbeing. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial to prioritize the needs and concerns of young people, while also promoting healthy and responsible social media use. By doing so, we can create a more positive and supportive online environment that benefits everyone involved.
