Since 2018, the short-form video platform TikTok has amassed over 170 million American users. It entertains, spreads information, and connects many people across the world. Despite many efforts from CEO, Shou Zi Chew, to keep the platform, Congress passed a bill that will enact a ban if TikTok does not sell to an American-based company.
Chloe Tinker (11) feels strongly on the matter. A big concern has been the amount of false information on the app. You can’t trust everything you see on the app, but that’s true everywhere. Instagram, YouTube, and even news channels have an agenda.
“You can’t take it away because of misinformation, because there’s misinformation everywhere. People can say whatever they want, that’s freedom of speech,” Tinker said.
For Tinker, the saddest part to lose is the community on TikTok. The app allows friends to connect over niches and can spark engaging conversations. It allows peers to bond over funny and relatable content. Without the app, it may be harder to find a diverse group of people with the same interests.
“My big thing is that I won’t be able to share videos to my friends and repost stuff. It’s the social aspect of it,” Tinker said.
As far as entertainment goes, there are many alternatives you could turn to, but nothing will be quite like TikTok. The unique algorithm has yet to be replicated by other apps like Instagram and YouTube.
“I’m gonna miss the specific algorithm, but as far as entertainment goes I’ll probably scroll Instagram or read a book,” Tinker said
While TikTok has been given more time to sell, there is still a possibility it will get banned. There have been many beneficial effects of the platform, like connecting the world and providing lighthearted entertainment. If it does get banned, it will be missed.
