Is banning TikTok really necessary?
On Jan. 19, TikTok—the video sharing app popular with teens—was supposed to be unavailable to users in the United States. Due to an executive order by former President Biden on Apr. 24 that was unanimously supported by the Supreme Court, if the Chinese-based app was unable to secure an owner in the U.S., the U.S. government would ban its use nationwide.
For American users, the app actually went dark on Jan. 18, a day early. The app shut down and all TikTok users were affected by the ban for 12 hours. Current President Trump, not yet inaugurated, indicated he would sign his own executive order to extend Biden’s order by 75 days. This was under the condition that President Trump would make a deal to protect our national security.
Now everyone is asking “What do you think about the TikTok ban?”
All the stuff about national security aside, the reality is TikTok is just another social media platform negatively affecting teens by giving them false information about news. Platforms like these also hurt the mental health of users, impact their time consumption, offer more opportunities for bullying, and spread negative messages through videos and the endless streams of comments.
One Colton High student who wished to remain anonymous for this story, shared “ I think it’ll be better for people to stay off things that make them feel depressed. Like, look at right now students are on TikTok right now instead of doing work.”
Things posted on TikTok are often left out of context, such as when celebrities or other individuals are targeted for alleged inappropriate behavior, or when posted videos are intended to disturb and alienate viewers by shaming them for their actions or feelings.
Banning TikTok could actually benefit not only students’ work and productivity, but also help them find better balance between their social lives and screen time.
Still, even with all the benefits of banning social platforms like these, we all know it won’t change much about social media or our addictions to it. Another CHS student couldn’t be clearer: “There is always an alternative.“
And at least until Apr. 5, there will be no need for an alternative. And no change to the way we use social media to make our lives worse.
