TikTok, Your Time’s Up: A Reflection on the TikTok Ban
Written by Elizabeth Weiss
Like many Gen Zers, I vividly recall the pivotal moment in 2018 when Musical.ly was absorbed into TikTok. At the time, it felt surreal, even unsettling. A sense of uncertainty that I am now experiencing again as we face the possible ban of our beloved platform.
Having fully embraced TikTok since its rebranding, I can hardly imagine a world without it. Sure, that might sound extreme, but when an app has not only shaped your attention span but also exposed you to a universe of creativity and kept you connected to global conversations, it's difficult to view it in any other way.
One of the most frequent arguments in favor of banning TikTok revolves around concerns about mental health and social media’s role in it. You've probably heard your parents cautioning you about its dangers, perhaps even labeling it as harmful. However, John Piacentini, a professor at UCLA's Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, pointed out that during and after the pandemic, TikTok became a crucial coping mechanism for many adolescents. In our ongoing search for deeper connection, we turn to platforms that allow us to stay in touch, even when physical proximity is limited.
Personally, I’ve found that my mental health has improved during my six years using the app. I won’t lie and say I haven’t seen triggering content. But in the long run, the friendships I’ve made, content I’ve discovered, and opportunity to support small businesses (and things of the sort) have only benefited me.
The concept of banning websites, social media, or media in general feels increasingly outdated. Moreover, the very notion of restricting access to information and platforms also feels deeply dystopian. And yet, if there's a will, there's always a way. If you’re familiar with popular literature, you’ll recall Nineteen Eighty-Four and Fahrenheit 451. In both novels, media becomes more and more restricted, leaving the protagonists to grapple with their sudden loss of access to connection. As the main characters of our own lives, this will likely become a reality for each and every one of us.
I couldn’t be more displeased with the TikTok ban. It’s arguably unconstitutional and raises concerns about what could be next.
