Many Americans were relieved when they reopened TikTok on Jan. 20, and found it restored after the temporary ban just hours before. However, a quick celebration of the re-established app isn’t recommended because that doesn’t mean it’ll stay for good.
President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order Jan. 20 to delay the ban on TikTok for at least 75 days, with an exception if an American-owned company purchases 50% of it. This leaves it up to some of the most controversial billionaires like Elon Musk, Kevin O’Leary and even social media star MrBeast, to buy the app. If not, the software will be permanently removed from American app stores, and access to the platform will be blocked. In fact, people who deleted TikTok can’t redownload the app through official U.S. channels.
If there is a permanent ban on TikTok, many constant users would be sent into a frenzy about what to do next. It’s unnegotiable that TikTok has been a reliable source of humor and entertainment for people of all ages. Some studies (Suncloud Health) even show the reason for the mass addiction to the app is the surge of dopamine causing a person to feel good, making them want to continue scrolling and spend more time on the app. The people who are addicted to the app might experience a variety of different emotions, something that once was part of their everyday routine, would be removed from their lives for good.
Similar to any addiction, people might even start experiencing a sense of loss or withdrawal symptoms. Who knows what this could look like or even turn into as time goes on without the app? Will those once obsessed with TikTok end up miserable and dissociated?
However, if the app stays permanently, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a positive outcome. TikTok has negatively impacted society in many ways that stem from mental health, specifically the new coined term “Brain rot.” Studies show that TikTok drastically reduces memory and attention span. Most videos on TikTok stream from 15 to 30 seconds while successfully getting their point across to the viewer. This makes it difficult for users to put their attention to something longer like a film or book. People who spend most of their time on the app tend to find other social media platforms boring or slow.
Equally, TikTok can be a toxic place for users of young ages. Most people portray only the good in their lives and wrongly influence people to think that it’s a normal day-to-day experience. This can damage young audiences’ mental health to have unrealistic standards for themselves as well as making comparisons to big influencers who in reality, don’t live like that at all.
So while the ban is looming, we have to explore what’s good about the app. TikTok is mainly a platform where people can confidently express themselves while providing tools for creativity. It can be beneficial for users to search whatever question or topic they would want to see and find instantly. It’s important for young users to get an education while also having fun and staying engaged. Most people would even say they learn more on TikTok than any other app because of its interesting way it attracts an audience. For me, I hope the app stays up and running for all users because the benefits more than outweigh the negatives.
