MySpace, Reddit, Vine, Musical.ly, and now TikTok. These social media have captivated the minds of teens at various times throughout many decades. TikTok is a Chinese-based online media platform that offers short-form videos ranging from classic lipsyncing to comedic shows, practically anything can be posted on this platform.
The media has benefited various teens and young adults, locally, Sophmore Drake Russell describes how TikTok has changed his life.
“TikTok has given me a sense of expression in this world, and who I am as a person. It allows me to engage with my audience on the internet and has helped me learn many different life skills, such as entrepreneurship, dedication, and leadership. Without TikTok, I doubt I would even be half the person I am today.”
Though Russell has had virtuous experiences, other teens haven’t been so lucky. Many have noted that TikTok has a dark side to it. Within minutes teens are being shown videos that don’t serve them well.
Despite the substandard content, TikTok’s ban has a completely different source: China. The United States Government is concerned that communication could be skewed within the app. Another worry is that information could be placed in the wrong hands.
“Lawmakers and regulators in the West have increasingly expressed concern that TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, may put sensitive user data, like location information, into the hands of the Chinese government.” Says Sapna Maheshwari and Amanda Holpush in the New York Times.
The US isn’t alone in this, 2020 India ByteDance, because of similar concerns. Other countries have also agreed with this verdict, including Britain, Australia, Canada, France, and others.
The important question is; what will happen once the ban is final? Similar to what happens when other apps are banned, TikTok will be removed from the app store. But it will still maintain its presence on phones that already have it downloaded. Though the app will still be available, no updates will be available therefore bugs and glitches will eventually take over. Beyond this, similar platforms such as YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels may gain more traction.
Russell describes his “game plan” for if the ban becomes final.
“If TikTok were to be banned, I would switch to Instagram. Although my TikTok is my primary source of content creation, I also do Instagram.”
