Evaluating Elon Musk as a Potential TikTok Owner

The notion of Elon Musk becoming the owner of TikTok has sparked discussions, but practical hurdles and past experiences raise questions about the feasibility of this idea.

Theoretical Bidders

Individuals like former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick have expressed interest in buying TikTok’s US operations. However, the complexity of the process and financial requirements pose significant challenges.

Real-World Constraints

Several key factors need to align for TikTok’s ownership to change hands, including legislative approval, legal challenges, and Chinese government consent. Additionally, the financial aspects of the deal remain ambiguous, with estimates ranging from tens of billions to potentially hundreds of billions of dollars.

Enter Elon Musk

Elon Musk emerges as an intriguing candidate due to his vast resources and influence. His success in revolutionizing electric cars and space travel underscores his appeal as a potential TikTok owner.

Time Machine Fantasy

A hypothetical scenario is presented where Elon Musk builds a time machine to revisit his peak fame and financial standing in 2022. During that time, Musk’s reputation and resources would have made him an ideal candidate to acquire TikTok’s US operations.

Musk’s Track Record

However, recent events, such as Musk’s $44 billion purchase of Twitter and subsequent challenges in managing the platform, raise doubts about his suitability for running a social network like TikTok. Observers note that Musk’s strengths lie in tackling technical challenges, not necessarily in social networking.

Conclusion

While the idea of Elon Musk owning TikTok may seem appealing in theory, practical considerations, including Musk’s recent experiences with Twitter, suggest potential challenges in executing such a plan. As discussions continue about TikTok’s future, alternative ideas and candidates may need exploration.