The app has been around since 2018, when the app known as Musical.ly was purchased by ByteDance and rebranded. Since then, it has grown in popularity, creating many trends and memories.
Concerns regarding the privacy of individual data privacy on the app and national security have sprung up the idea that banning the app may be beneficial. Though there are things to be looked into regarding the safety of the app, a complete ban may not be the best option.
“I think teenagers would hate it. Even though TikTok has it’s concerns, it has become a place for people to be creative and make friends,” Bismarck High School junior Lily Erdmann said. “TikTok is not the only app that causes negative effects, I believe it’s social media as a whole.”
Since 2018, the app has grown into a platform full of both positive and negative effects on society. Influencers have grown on the app with the support of their viewers, causing some to turn to TikTok as their full-time job and source of income. Not only has it created jobs, it has helped small businesses get more attention and sales.
“TikTok has become a job for some and has created a place to sell products or art, banning TikTok would take that away from them,” Erdmann said. “This would mean that businesses are not reaching massive groups of people anymore. Content creation has also become a business, and banning TikTok takes away people’s jobs. “
With TikTok being such a largely popular app. Fake news can spread quickly. It is very easy for people to create false claims on the app and create harm. However, TikTok is not the only app that this is an issue on. Fake news spreads fast, it is difficult to prevent on any app.
“Yes, I understand that the algorithm-based platform can be concerning. I also understand the concern about the spread of false information, but at the same time, almost every social media app has played a part in spreading fake news,” Erdmann said. “TikTok brings awareness to issues that news outlets don’t always cover, but on the other hand twists stories into false news that can spread quickly.”
TikTok has become a way for people to document special moments in their lives and discuss topics that they are passionate about. It can be a mood booster on a bad day, or a way to find new inspiration and ideas.
“Your algorithm is based on what you watch, watching positive videos and creators shows that there is a lot of good to be spread,” Bismarck High School Junior Sydney Lyons said.
The future of TikTok is unknown, but what many do know is how the platform has helped them express themselves, or explore new thoughts and perspectives.
“I have had TikTok for a very long time, back when it was Musical.ly, and I have always used it as an escape. If things get stressful, I just pick up my phone and watch a few TikToks,” Erdmann said. “I don’t think it has made me better or worse, but it has allowed me to be creative and discover creativity.”
