TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms, is currently facing a potential ban in the United states. TikTok is known for its endless short-form video content created by people all over the world. The decision of banning TikTok in the US comes from growing concerns over data being collected and people's privacy on the app. Lawmakers say that TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance, could be connected to sharing users' data to the Chinese government. Not only is it a threat to the US government, but teens have also grown concerned about the app impacting their mental health and even calling it addictive. The pending ban also makes ongoing tech, trade, and political tensions between the US and China even more competitive.
The bill that Biden signed gives TikTok’s Chinese parent, ByteDance, 270 days to sell TikTok (He). ByteDance has to sell their company to someone who is not based in China if they want to keep operating in the US. With this short amount of time TikTok’s Chinese parent company has to move fast. The reason for this bill is that the US government worries that the app could be used to spread misinformation, create division, and alter elections. These things happen on all social media platforms such as US born companies such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft. Those companies are also said to collect users’ data and that foreign countries have used social media sites like Facebook, to try to influence U.S. elections (Proulx). For these reasons a TikTok spokesperson called the law “unconstitutional” due to the fact that they are a chinese born company. With the platform having 170 million US users and 7 million businesses that operate on the app, losing the US as a client would have a strong impact on TikTok as a company. If TikTok wanted to challenge the US government, it would most likely lead to a case that would last multiple years. If there were to be a trial, TikTok would be blocked until the case is over (He). According to CNN, “Company CEO Shou Chew told users, ‘We aren't going anywhere’”(He). With the CEO and Chinese government not budging, it looks like there could be a trial coming up soon. 

Another growing concern the US government has with TikTok is the mental health impact on teenagers and the younger generation. According to exploding topics, “(25%) of US TikTok users are 10 to 19 years of age” (Howarth). Teens seem to be hooked on TikTok. The short video content allows any user to see hundreds of videos in a very short period of time. There is also a lot of inappropriate content as well as dangerous challenges that the younger generation is exposed to.

While there are some dangers and cons to TikTok there are also various positives. TikTok can be a great place for entertainment as well as a place where people of all ages can learn new things. Whether it is college tips or a video showcasing great travel destinations, it's all on TikTok. With all these different genres of entertainment and education, it allows young creators to become famous and make money with TikTok. For example, MYDOH explains, “At just 19 years old, Charli D’Amelio earns the most cash on TikTok, period. The creator pulled down $17.5 million in 2021”(Allen). Earning 17 and a half million dollars in 1 year is millions more than most people will ever earn in their lifetime. With this only being Charli D’Amelio earnings from TikTok, there is so much more opportunity on the app. With over 1.5 billion users on TikTok there is also so much opportunity to connect with others from around the world.

As explained above, there are many reasons why the US government wants to ban TikTok. But there are also positives that come with the app. With all this being said, should TikTok be banned in the US?