The Small Business Administration (SBA) has recently joined several other U.S. government agencies in establishing a presence on the social media platform TikTok. This shift follows updated federal guidelines that allow for the use of the application by government employees under specific conditions.

While the agency’s intent is to increase outreach to small business owners, the launch has been met with significant social media backlash. Much of the criticism centers on a specific video featuring an agency representative, which users have described as awkward or out of touch. Online commentators have mocked the presentation style, with some viral responses comparing the representative's movements to those of extraterrestrials.

There is a notable divide in how the event is being perceived. Critics of the agency’s social media strategy argue that the content is unprofessional and reflects a misunderstanding of the platform's culture. Conversely, the agency maintains that the account is a necessary tool for modern communication and reaching younger entrepreneurs. While the technical use of the app is permitted by federal policy, the public reception highlights the ongoing tension between government institutions attempting to modernize their outreach and the often-unforgiving nature of viral social media trends.