TikTok is a cultural phenomenon. From the moment it was released in 2016, millennials and Gen Z’ers have flooded the app, numbering in the millions. Seconds-long videos are created and viewed by these “TikTokers”, bringing a rise in popular dances and soundtracks. The dance moves performed on TikTok, dubbed “TikTok Dances,” have been replicated both on the app and in real life, providing TikTokers fun activities to do and view, especially during the quarantine period.
But on August 6, 2020, President Donald Trump issued an executive order, stating that TikTok was a national threat and would be banned. The only way TikTok would be able to escape its fate would be if it sells its U.S. division to a U.S. company within 45 days of the order, deadline on August 20. TikTok has been given an extended grace period past its original deadline, but the clock is ticking.
The reason TikTok is considered a threat is because of its parent company, ByteDance, which happens to be a Chinese corporation. Unfortunately, China and the United States haven’t been on the best of terms as of late, especially since neither country endorses the other’s methods of governance. Because TikTok has access to the personal data of it’s U.S. client base, the U.S. government has decided to take preventive measures against potential espionage by banning or heavily regulating TikTok.
Despite the political tension, TikTok has become more than just an entertainment platform, especially during the quarantine. Current—and former—teachers could teach viewers difficult or tedious subjects in more appealing ways. Artists could showcase their unique artwork and the processes used to make them. Musicians could share their personal songs or covers of others. TikTok has become a community, where anyone can share their ideas and everyone could benefit.
The void of TikTok would only increase the despair caused not only by our political climate but also by the overbearing pandemic. Many, especially youth, have been experiencing the negative effects of social distancing, and have been utilizing TikTok to cope. We can only hope for leniency for TikTok lest we face an onslaught of decreased morale and depression in the foreseeable future.
Work Cited
Kharpal, Arjun. “Here's Where Things Stand with the Messy TikTok Deal.” CNBC, 25 Sept. 2020.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.