Banning TikTok: Swipe Up

TikTok—the app that gave us viral dances, oddly satisfying cleaning videos, and a never-ending stream of memes. But while some people can’t get enough of it, others argue it’s a ticking time bomb (pun intended). Governments, tech experts, and everyday users are split on whether banning TikTok is a good idea. So, let’s break it down: Should we swipe left or right on TikTok? Here are the pros and cons of banning the app.

Today, TikTok went to the U.S. Supreme Court to argue that the addictive, time-wasting app should not be banned in the Country. At the same time, Donald Trump met with the CEO of TikTok at Mar-a-Lago.

#BREAKING #USA Donald Trump, 47th President-elect of the United States, expressed a “warm spot in my heart for TikTok” and indicated he will consider stopping the ban on the platform. pic.twitter.com/60gM6H5Sqd

— The National Independent (@NationalIndNews) December 16, 2024

Donald Trump has said he has a soft spot for TikTok, and his performance with the young people proved that TikTok did Trump’s campaign some good.

TikTok on Monday asked the Supreme Court to block a law that could effectively ban the popular social media app in the United States by Jan. 19.

On the same day, President-elect Donald Trump met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, NBC News confirmed.

TikTok wants the Supreme Court to first consider its appeal of that law, which would require its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app by that date or force Google
and Apple
to stop supporting TikTok on their platforms in the U.S. – CNBC

At one time, I had TikTok. Then, one morning, I found that I had lost three hours because I was scrolling on TikTok. Once I realized what I had done, I deleted TikTok from my phone and never looked back.

But let’s look at the pros and cons of banning TikTok. For the record, I don’t think it should be banned. I believe in personal responsibility, and freedom.

Pros of Banning TikTok

TikTok is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, which has led to fears about data sharing with the Chinese government. Critics argue that TikTok collects massive amounts of user data—from location to browsing history—which could be used for espionage or influence campaigns. In 2023, the U.S. government raised alarms over these risks (The Atlantic).

Banning TikTok could eliminate this potential threat and protect sensitive data from falling into foreign hands. It’s like unplugging a sketchy USB drive before it infects your entire computer.

Let’s be real: TikTok knows a lot about you. The app’s algorithms are eerily good at serving content that keeps you scrolling for hours. But how do they get that good? By collecting mountains of user data. Some worry this data could be misused or sold. Banning TikTok might be a way to set a firm boundary on data privacy practices (Rubino Media).

Have you ever opened TikTok for “just five minutes” only to find yourself still scrolling an hour later? The app’s design is addictive, especially for younger users. Studies have shown that excessive use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Governments could curb these harmful effects by banning TikTok, particularly among teens and kids (New York Post).

TikTok has been criticized for not adequately moderating content, from misinformation to harmful challenges (remember the Tide Pod challenge?). A ban might force platforms to take their responsibilities more seriously.

If TikTok were banned, domestic social media apps might thrive, fostering local innovation and creating jobs. Think of it as giving homegrown tech a fighting chance.

Cons of Banning TikTok

For millions of users, TikTok is more than just an app; it’s a platform for creativity, activism, and self-expression. A ban might be seen as an infringement on freedom of speech, particularly in democratic societies. The Atlantic points out that such a move could set a troubling precedent for government censorship (The Atlantic).

TikTok isn’t just for viral dances; it’s a money-making machine. Creators earn through sponsorships, businesses use it for marketing, and musicians find their songs going viral. A ban could disrupt livelihoods and impact small businesses that rely on TikTok for visibility (The Times).

For Gen Z and younger Millennials, TikTok is a playground of creativity. The app encourages users to think outside the box, from makeup tutorials to educational content. Removing it could stifle these opportunities and alienate young people.

Banning TikTok could spark retaliation from China, potentially affecting American companies operating overseas. In a globalized world, actions like this rarely happen in isolation. Some experts warn it could escalate into a tech trade war (Financial Times).

Critics of a ban argue it’s a band-aid solution. Even if TikTok is removed, data privacy concerns won’t disappear. Instead, governments might focus on implementing stricter regulations for all social media platforms, not just TikTok (Financial Times).

So, is banning TikTok the answer?

It isn’t very easy. On one hand, the app poses legitimate concerns about national security, data privacy, and mental health. On the other hand, it’s a vital platform for creativity, business, and connection.

Perhaps a middle ground is the best solution: enforcing stricter data regulations and improving content moderation while keeping the app accessible. That way, users can enjoy TikTok’s endless stream of videos without compromising security or well-being.

Whatever the outcome, one thing’s for sure: this debate isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. So, while governments deliberate, feel free to enjoy your favorite TikToks responsibly (and maybe consider setting a screen time limit).

Feature Image: Created in Canva Pro