I don't see it as a black and white issue.

It is very plausible that people flipped in key positions as theorized, and it's also plausible -- and more likely -- that they expected greater control of the public by now, and internet media is the Genie that was let out of the bottle, and they are desperately trying to push it back in because that Genie is giving people a platform that works against their agendas.

TikTok was created for the younger generations who were raised on instant gratification; they evidently did not expect the dishing of red pills on said platform.