On January 19th, 2025, the social media platform TikTok will be banned in America unless it can find a non-Chinese company to buy it. Lawmakers are calling for the sale or ban of the app over concerns about China’s ability to access user data. The app is currently owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. Although he previously called for a total ban on the app, President-elect Donald Trump has stated that he will “save” TikTok. Despite this, the bill that would ban the app has received bipartisan support.
When asked if she felt the ban was necessary and how it would affect people, specifically teens who use the app, Lea Schaetzle, a sophomore, said, “No, I feel that it will harm many creators, small businesses, people who use TikTok as a platform to spread awareness. Though for teens I just don’t think it will necessarily help reduce their online engagement, especially with the other numerous social media platforms available.” Lea raises a major reason why many Americans want to keep the app. The ability to access new people, ideas, and products through mostly short-form videos is a major perk of the app.
A potential ban on one of the country’s biggest social media platforms is rapidly approaching with the new year. Users of the app will have to hold their breath until the company decides whether or not to sell the app.
