Since its creation in 2016, TikTok has been a thriving social media site for people all around the world to use. Ranking number five, the social media site is home to over one billion users, as a source of entertainment, business promotion, artistic creation/ expression, and even income.
Although many people love the social media platform, it has received many negative opinions which have almost caused the app to be banned. In 2020, President Trump proposed a ban on TikTok, although he was unsuccessful, right now the app is facing a bigger problem which could actually lead to it being taken down.
In recent events, President Biden has signed a law that gives the company up to a year to divest from TikTok or face a nationwide ban. According to CNN “ US lawmakers have long been concerned about Beijing’s influence over the app. In particular, they worry that TikTok could share data with the Chinese government or manipulate content displayed on its platform.” Although users hate the idea of this, Bytedance has shown no public evidence of looking for buyers and has stated they have no plans of selling the app.
Although the government seems to think that this ban could help, users of the app have different opinions. In light of the situation, many tiktokers and influencers have posted videos of their opposing feelings about the ban. Many have even come together to protest it. Even representatives like Maxwell Frost and Robert Garcia have shown public protest of this ban and joined the anti-ban protests and speeches.
Whilst many users are feeling more anger towards the banishment of the app, many are also feeling scared knowing that their main source of income might come to an end. According to the TikTok Newsroom, over 7 million businesses promote themselves on TikTok, not even including all of the influencers who also rely on the platform for income. Many influencers have released their fearful sentiment, like travel influencer Jensen Savannah. An AP news article, states that the influencer has made triple her previous income on TikTok than her telecommunications job. Savannah shared that “ Social media Influencer’ is almost to be looked at as the new print and the new form of radio and TV advertising. It’s going to bring your dollar much farther than it is in traditional marketing.” TikTok shutting down could not only end her income but also a job that she loves to do. This is the case for so many other influencers just like Savannah.
Influencers are not the only ones who feel emotional about the possible end of the app. Users have also come out and expressed their feelings about how the communities they felt connected to and were a part of would be coming to an end. Junior at Brooke High School, Alyssa Pierre feels that one of her main sources of entertainment will be taken away. “ I feel like Tiktok takes a lot of my time so I feel like I wouldn’t have a lot to do without it.” Apps like these help people, even if it is just for a pastime. With all that goes on in many high schoolers’ lives with exams, school work, social lives, and personal time, TikTok is an app that just helps them relax and not think about it all.
As a supporter of anti-ban sentiments, I fully agree with the claims that youth and creators are making. TikTok is so much more than just a social media site. It’s a community in which all people can connect, share their knowledge, and just find entertainment. Personally, the BookTok Community has been an amazing group to learn from and watch. The worst part about this is that there has been no hard evidence found to justify the national security claims.
As much as I want a deal to go through, I know there are very slim chances of Tiktok being sold, or being the same if another company re-creates it. I suggest that all users should start to save important videos to them so that they can still have their favorite pieces of TikTok with them. Just like the other social media sites that have shut down, like Vine and Myspace, there will be another upcoming and popular social media app. Hopefully, it can recreate the amazing community and environment that was Tiktok.
