By: Alexandra Martinez, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY– Rumors of TikTok’s cancellation have been circulating across the nation for quite some time, and the threats against the app have never been higher.
Could TikTok really become another app on the “no longer available in the United States” list? As one of the most-used social media platforms both nationally and internationally, talk about the app being eliminated in any capacity holds the interest and concern of many.
As most understand, TikTok is a video-based platform that allows its users to create all kinds of shareable content, access a tailored and niche media experience through its For You Page (known as the #FYP), and build a unique network of online communities. Previously limited to short videos only, creators can now upload videos of up to a capacity of ten minutes.
The types of videos users tend to put out vary from commentaries, interviews, podcasts, Get Ready With Me’s (known as #GRWM), and even movie/TV show clips. TikTok thrives off its many personas it adheres to, such as news outlet, search engine, online store, streaming service, along with multitudes of other identities. Although there are sides of TikTok that remain casual and fun to post dancing videos or skits similarly to Vine, it has quickly developed into a more serious space that is heavily relied on in various aspects by millions of its users.
Since the TikTok experience at face value is seemingly everything a user could ask for in one platform, why would TikTok ever be under risk of getting banned?
The motives behind rallying for a ban extend much farther than the quality of the application and experience itself. Proposing a TikTok ban widely stems from political concerns, its societal impacts, and its economic value.
Recall the hysteria and propaganda that arose in December of 2019 when the Pentagon called for TikTok to be deleted from all military and government phones over concern of potential spying from within the Chinese-owned app. Conspiracies and radical political agendas shortly followed from the onset of Covid-19, the nation-wide riots calling for attention to Black Lives Matter (BLM) and reformed justice systems, and the 2020 presidential election.
From the instantaneous shift of TikTok primarily serving as an entertainment source to now being a source of political information or misinformation, privacy groups and officials were able to confirm that the app was in fact, filtering and pushing diplomatic content related to both international and national affairs. In addition, users’ nonpublic data had been leaked and accessed by ByteDance on multiple occasions, further causing speculation that confidential and U.S. data was potentially being used to manipulate and influence operations.
The security and political concerns appear valid for United States lawmakers and authorities with President Biden signing the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act this past April. The bill consists of an ultimatum, forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. owned company or have it banned by default, which could be effective as early as January 2025. Previous and similar efforts were attempted by the Trump Administration, but forced to a halt by courts and the Biden administration after the election. Regardless of political affiliation, the apprehension regarding TikTok’s security risks and ability to drive government-related agendas is apparent.
On the contrary, users are arguing that TikTok being banned is a direct infringement on the first amendment right of free speech. To many, banning TikTok would be limiting the access and availability of information and free speech areas for everyday American citizens. CEO Shou Zi Chew, is aware of Americans’ concerns and takes a very pro-free speech position publicly sharing his acknowledgement that the law is “A ban on you and your voice.” A quick glance at the comment section under his TikTok announcement reveals a large handful of viewers who are in agreement with this position. In the same video, Chew mentions the loss of community, loss of livelihood for business owners, and the loss of diversity TikTok has to offer, indicating it would be a shame to see it all relinquished.
What Societal Impacts Are Shaping the Ban?
TikTok has widely taken on the face of youth, as 62% of individuals ages 18-29 say they use the platform, the largest percentage of users in the 2023 Pew Research Center Study. That percentage would likely experience a significant increase if the minimum age studied was lowered to just 13 years old, and certainly after 2024 data releases. Though TikTok is associated with the younger generations, the presence of adults continues to grow from 2021, with a third of adults surveyed saying they now use TikTok.
Despite the growing population of adults on TikTok, the social impacts on the youth is what remains to be the focus of many. Especially when it comes to the concerns over mass media consumption, influence, and addiction.
There are little to no laws that help regulate the type and amount of content young users consume on a daily basis. For vulnerable kids, teenagers, and even young adults going through some of the most transformative years of their lives, content consumed, good or bad, can have sincere impacts on thoughts, actions, and overall well-being. Some users are so young, the reality of trends and their online persona in relation to the real-world becomes slightly blurred. Not only does this create a distorted outlook and perception on life, but eventually turns into a contributor to the mental health crisis being fueled by TikTok.
The habitual occurrence of “doomscrolling,” spending large amounts of time online scrolling, is bound to happen on TikTok with its endless FYP and algorithm that is quite literally designed to encourage binge-watching by its users. It is an unavoidable trap that remains at the heart of why TikTok remains a top choice of media consumption. One can never get enough, and there is no one to stop the consumption unless self-inflicted timers and screen-time management protocols are set in place by the user themselves. Even then, with a quick passcode and click of a button, one can easily bypass any controls or locks for screen-time limits.
Sounds addictive? Well, sounds about right.
Clarity Clinic notes in a 2023 study that 77.7% of Gen Z users, and 72% of Gen X users claimed that TikTok was addictive in nature. About 22% of United States teens spend an average of 2-3 hours a day on TikTok alone, and for many, that number is much higher. Scrolling for these extended periods of time commonly introduces issues regarding self-esteem, body image, eating disorders, shame and comparison, bullying, and suggestive sexual exposure. For example, legal cases have been formed and brought to court over the concerning and questionable guidelines TikTok has to enable content that inexplicably encourages unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits. In some cases, there have been court filings over TikTok’s responsibility in rising anxiety, depression, and suicide rates in different TikTok mental health lawsuits. The feeling that users are losing autonomy over their own experience scrolling on social media continues to be one of the forefront considerations of TikTok’s anticipated ban.
How Would TikTok Being Banned Affect Me?
If the ban falls through, the obvious answer is that there will be no more TikTok.
However, if ByteDance decides to sell TikTok to a U.S. owned company, there is a great chance that the app will not be the same. The uniquely developed algorithm that seems to provide just what each individual user is looking for over and over again, is developed in China and may not be accurately replicated. TikTok without its pristine algorithm could be in jeopardy of a major downfall. E-commerce, influencers and content creators, consumers, communities, companies and their advertisements, will all be affected if algorithms fail to reach the right audiences. It might be possible that few qualities will separate TikTok from other popular social platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
While some may be hoping for a ban in a desperate plea to forcibly change their social media consumption habits, some are passionately fighting legislation to be able to continue their livelihood and experience on an app that remains much more than just another social media outlet.
“As a creator, it feels like the ground is always moving underneath our feet,” Malvika Sheth told NerdWallet. “We’re constantly having to adapt our businesses to stay relevant on new apps. Whether TikTok is sold to a U.S. owner or is shut down, our businesses and strategies will inevitably be impacted.” She is joined in concern by 7 million other TikTok users who depend on the platform for income.
As of May 7, TikTok has sued the U.S. government over the ban and has no intentions of making a timely decision, ensuring their chance to fight the ultimatum with maximum time.
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