By SOPHIA RIVERA
Over the past years, Tiktok has been a global sensation, captivating millions with short videos that invite a new wave of media into individuals' everyday lives. However, this extremely popular app has also found itself at the center of controversy, with several countries considering a ban. As these debates rage on about the potential risks and rewards of this app, it is crucial to explore both the reasons behind these bans and also the impact it has had on the lives of many.
Just less than ten years ago, Tiktok was created by Chinese entrepreneurs that bought out a previous app called Musically. Trends have come in and out of this platform, including hundreds of thousands of dances, recipes, life hacks, memes.
Millions of students all over the world are enamored by this app. “This app is a way for people to be able to relate to one another while also being able to get inspiration from people you don’t know,” explained Jenna Belcher, a student and WHS.
In the beginning, this app started with a For You and a friends/following page. Everyone’s For You page was generated towards their interests and what they continued to watch. Features from this app have come in and out and more recently a TikTok shop has been created. Brands from all over the world sell their products on this shop and they ship in a timely manner. The TikTok Shop is similar to Amazon, meaning that it sells almost everything for a great price.
Governments are worried that this app's extensive data collection practices could potentially allow Chinese governments to access user information. To protect national security, legal and executive orders have made it apparent that Tiktok will no longer be available in the U.S. following January 19, 2025. According to CNN News, the app will not shut down right away, but will not be available in the app store. Many users have interpreted that the app will begin to slow down because updates cannot be obtained.
While this app may shut down and allow lower screen time for some individuals, it also is taking away employment of many and removing social aspects from peoples day to day lives. Tons of TikTok users have been able to create a living from just posting less than a sixty second video, a few times a day.
While many people binge watch their favorite creators, this has generated a term called “TikTok Brainrot.” Brainrot is seen in a numbing or addictive way, where it often has a negative effect on daily lives. Many people are caught “doom scrolling” for hours on end while they waste precious time from their days. Kiera Calovic, a Washingtonville High School alum checked her daily screen time and realized how much of her day she wastes on TikTok. She explained how she now is trying to become better at putting her phone down and doing something besides scrolling.
Will the TikTok ban be better for this generation? While many people may have to focus on reaching outside of this social media platform for an income, or even just to socialize, it may be better overall. Others may struggle to receive their daily news but with technology today, another app similar to TikTok may evolve soon…
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