TikTok, which was recently banned on Jan. 19 and then brought back again almost the same day, is now unable to be downloaded from the Apple and Google Play app stores along with other ByteDance-owned apps like CapCut and Lemon8.
“Tiktok is a multifunctional thing for me, I am updated and learn a lot just by scrolling. I never enjoyed the news, but Tiktok is a fun way to stay educated and updated,” said OH junior Maddy Martinez.
According to a CBS News article by Melissa Quinn, two days before the ban, “the Justice Department pointed to two main national security justifications: countering China’s collection of data from TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users and its purported ability to manipulate content on the app to further its geopolitical interests.” On Jan. 27, USA Today reported that President Trump signed an executive order giving TikTok a 75-day extension.
The rumor of TikTok being banned has been around for years but it never happened, even now important people who weren’t on board before are now fighting for extensions or for it not to be banned. For the second time since the app rose, the US has failed to enforce this law. Instead, an extension was ordered, which is great news for the American people.
OH students consistently utilize TikTok, be it for entertainment or informational purposes.
“I watch TikToks but I also like to make them as well, it’s an easy way to express myself and gives me something to do during my day,” said OH junior Sidney Blanco.
According to information gathered from The Social Sheperd and interviews held at OH, students average about two hours a day on TikTok.
“I watch TikTok every day, I have an average screen time of about four to five hours,” said OH junior Anthony Mullen.
This app is being used quite often, so for the U.S. government to ban it would cause a tremendous amount of backlash for the company and other small businesses.
“TikTok being banned is unnecessary. If you think about it, some people make their livings on the app, so it would be taking away from small businesses and job opportunities,” said Martinez.
The U.S. government is not focused on the social aspect of this app, but more on national security. Though having good reasons for wanting to ban the app, students at OH feel differently because there are different ways to protect information.
Blanco said, “There are better ways to go about the situation with China. Banning TikTok is not one of them. A lot of people would fight for the app to stay in the U.S.”.
Overall, students do not believe they will ever really get rid of TikTok because of the constant threats and extensions.
Mullen said, “I’m not sure at this point, there have been many accusations in the past of banning TikTok but nothing ever happened so I don’t think they will.”
So for now, TikTok will continue to run on its extension and students, along with the country, will wait for what is to come.
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