TikTok was created in 2016, and for the past 8 years, teenagers have used this platform daily. On average, a teenager spends roughly 2 hours a day just on TikTok. TikTok allows teens to express themselves through singing, and dancing throughout the country. On March 13th, 2024, a TikTok ban bill was written to protect the U.S. from foreign threats. This bill was passed roughly a month later on April 23rd, 2024.
There are concerns that the Chinese government has access to users’ data and lives throughout the short videos being posted. The U.S. government had prompted a ban that was passed by legislation so the Chinese can not access any U.S. users’ information. The U.S. believes they can access this information by the Chinese government forces Byte Dance to hand over this data.
TikTok is owned by a company named Byte Dance. Byte Dance is a Chinese-owned internet company. The U.S. sees this as a threat. The U.S. is not the first country to create this ban. 14 other countries have because they have thought about similar problems.
Many individuals agree and disagree. Many teenagers do not want TikTok to be banned and some students do.
Senior Kenzie Murphy spends roughly two hours on TikTok a day. She is glad TikTok is being banned. Besides the political aspect of it. She believes it is beneficial not only for teenagers but herself personally. After speaking with Murphy, she said, “After this ban, I can be more productive during my day and have the two hours that I would be on TikTok back.”
Senior Gabby Czopek spends roughly 2 to 3 hours a day on TikTok. She understands the ban. She hopes another platform is created. After speaking with Czopek she stated, “TikTok has brought me joy and, I will miss it but hope another platform is created for the U.S.”
Banning TikTok will be beneficial for many, but some have been on the app for years. It has become an everyday activity to watch TikTok.
TikTok will be banned next year. The only way it will not happen is if the U.S. purchases TikTok for roughly 100 billion dollars. According to NPR news, A U.S. business can purchase the platform and some businesses potentially could afford this but are not planning on doing it.
With that, many have different opinions on the TikTok ban. Teenagers have enjoyed TikTok for many years. It will be banned in the U.S. on all U.S. platforms unless it is purchased for over 100 billion dollars.
