TikTok Ban: Flop or Bop?

TikTok is an app that needs no introduction. 90% of people ranging from 13-60 years old have or have had TikTok. The app contains millions of videos that everyone uses to express themselves creatively and freely—but it might all be taken away.

Since its merger with a former app Musica’ly in 2018, the app has overcome many issues and controversies, from misinformation to challenges turning deadly, even violations of child privacy since most accounts are held by users under 13.

Still, one main issue with TikTok (at least according to the United States government), is that they are allegedly stealing our private information. Lawmakers passed a bill, banning TikTok from the App store if it doesn’t sell to an American company within six months. We asked the student body what their opinions were.

According to freshman Mya Sessi, lawmakers are “just so dumb.” She believes that “just because the government is insecure, doesn’t mean the rest of us should suffer.” A TikTok ban will not keep Sessi off of the internet, as if it does get banned she will go to YouTube or “other apps with the TikTok concept built in like IG reels.”

“I understand where the government is coming from, but I don’t think they should ban it,” says Freshman Keylieanna Archie.

Instead, Archie thinks they should look for alternatives to an outright ban, which most TikTok users can agree on!

Freshman Dante Kolak supports the ban, noting that TikTok “spreads misinformation in a way that’s never been done before.” He believes that growing up watching TikTok, especially for younger users, can “stunt a person’s development.”

Freshman Margaret Weber supports the ban despite not using the app.

“I don’t personally use TikTok, so it doesn’t affect me that much, but it seems dumb. It is many kids’ and people’s source of entertainment,” said Weber.

She says that it shouldn’t get banned as “it’s a good source of entertainment for kids and people all over the world…banning it won’t affect me, but it probably will affect many of my friends.”

What is your opinion on the potential TikTok ban?