Despite having faced the threat of a TikTok ban numerous times on a variety of different occasions, it’s been a threat that, for the most part, has never been fulfilled. Now, TikTok faces a threat that finally has the potential to eradicate it from all app stores, leaving American users bereft and reeling.
Finally, due to security concerns regarding the app’s connection to the Chinese government, the U.S. Supreme Court has decided that on January 19th, TikTok will be banned. For the eight years it has existed, TikTok has inarguably become one of the most renowned social media apps among Gen Z, making it a staple among the very lives of people all around the world. With the news of its imminent ban, people on TikTok have also come to do what they do best: flock to other apps in search of the same single-scroll bouts of dopamine they so covet.
The accessibility of being only one scroll away from a video that could yield the greatest, most sound laughter out of you is too enticing to ignore. An algorithm perfectly catered to whatever niche interests you have, dozens of content being made available by dozens of creators, having essentially the whole world at your fingertips, the familiar TikTok formula is one too difficult to let pass you by. RedNote (Xiaohongshu), an app that provides a similar user experience, has been making waves within the TikTok community following the news of the impending ban, with users migrating to a new app out of spite toward the American government.
“There’s literally no reason for the TikTok ban,” said Leilani Rivera (12). “Still, I think it’s funny how everyone’s moving to another Chinese app despite the U.S. banning TikTok initially because of its connections to the Chinese government.”
Clearly, many online users are angered about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to ban the app. For the majority of users, TikTok has become a sanctuary where people can come together and share funny videos, moments, and personal experiences. To some, the banning of this app signifies the deletion of such moments of camaraderie and shared joy.
“I’m upset that [the Supreme Court] chose to go through with the ban,” said Emily Hsieh (10). “I felt like TikTok was a place where I could express myself freely and having that taken away from me is really disheartening.”
However, there are also people who think that the TikTok ban was for the better.
“I think the whole situation is kinda dumb. People should just get off social media in general,” said Brielle Pangan (10).
Whether you are a huge proponent of the ban or against it, such a decision is bound to generate controversy due to the widespread influence of TikTok. Regardless of how one feels about the app itself, it is certain that the deletion of this prominent app will leave a lasting impact on its users—negative or positive, only time will tell.
