If you think China controlling the minds of Americans through Tik-Tok is a legitimate threat, do you think American minds aren't already controlled by the US government through every other form of media? And which is the bigger threat?
I mean, at least China might actually criticize American government and policy, which is something America's so-called "free press" is no longer capable of. I say give Americans a healthy dose of propaganda from all sides and let the market decide!
On the kids' manipulation -- even though that's not the main intent and American social media co's influence kids as well -- I'd still argue it's significant. A foreign adversary can control how your population thinks... it almost speaks for itself.