Support a TikTok ban

TikTok is a highly popular social media app that allows users to publish, watch, and interact with short videos. While its entertainment value is undeniable, the app surrounds itself with major controversies. Recently, a ban that was implemented on Jan. 19 was lifted not even 24 hours after. 

Although many users rejoiced at its return, I realized that maybe the ban really was for the better. 

Several controversies surround the app such as national security concerns that China could have on Tiktok, its political influence/interference, moderation and trends, exploitation of minors, addictive algorithm, and more.

I myself use TikTok from time to time and love it for the edits users create, the repost option, as well as show recommendations I’m offered. However, it is not even a debate that TikTok is currently the most addictive social media platform.

I find that many of my peers spend hours just mindlessly scrolling through TikTok each day. One friend of mine averages 14 hours of screen time on TikTok every day. While it can be argued all social media is addictive, TikTok has a much more different approach to its algorithm and how it gets its users hooked to just wasting time, scrolling away blankly at a screen. 

A study under Brown University states, “Like other social media platforms, the infinite scroll and variable reward pattern of TikTok likely increase the addictive quality of the app as they may induce a flow-like state for users that is characterized by a high degree of focus and productivity at the task at hand.” 

Some may argue that Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts operate the same way. Yet, TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t operate on liked content, but rather, the amount of time spent watched, including sensitive trends. This easily leads users spiraling down a rabbit hole of damaging mental health content, impacting their psyche. In fact, another study has linked TikTok to anxiety, depression, suicidality, body image issues, etc. 

Not to mention, TikTok’s moderation issues are horrible as the automated system often misses harmful/inappropriate content and these shorts quickly blow up likely due to the fact they operate on engagement. 

As a result, several dangerous trends have arisen over the years and it poses an issue given Tiktok’s policies requiring only an age limit of 13 to download/use the app. When you think about it; it’s way worse given how impressionable teenagers, who make up the majority of Tiktok’s audience, are. 

For example, I have never seen more self-diagnosed people with DID, BPD, tourettes, etc., until these mental illnesses began trending on TikTok. This proves just how impressionable many can be. 

While TikTok is definitely a one of a kind app given you its original content you often wouldn’t find on YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels, the ban should have definitely remained for a greater good.