Opinion: Should TikTok be Banned?

Recently the government has been looking into potentially banning TikTok due to it being seen as a security threat. The New York Times reported a U.S.-Australian cybersecurity firm last year found that the app can obtain users’ microphones, camera, location, S.M.S. messages and other private data. Resulting in this sudden push to ban TikTok in the U.S., many teenagers are confused about the truth of the matter.

According to Time Magazine, certain lawmakers are concerned ByteDance could be using user data to track browsing history and location potentially driving misinformation efforts. This is a scary realization, but so many apps are already tracking us.

I think TikTok should not be banned because many teenagers bond through this app. When hanging out with friends, personally, to pass time we make a TikTok. Most of the time these TikToks are entertaining where we spend 30 minutes learning a dance or doing a fun trend. Additionally, most of the time when hanging out with friends we are doing our own thing. However, TikTok gives you an opportunity to do an activity together and stay amused.

While scrolling through TikTok, you come across music that you haven’t heard before. Personally, every time I hear a new song, I almost always add it to my Spotify playlist. This is one reason why I love TikTok. I am able to find new music. Many songs also gain recognition through TikTok after a lot of people use it, which is an advantage for upcoming artists.

In some cases, I have seen TikToks about couples explaining how they started their relationship through TikTok because that is how they first met. Also, people meet new friends and develop online friendships. Everyone around the world is able to use TikTok which is also a plus.

TikTok can be informative and beneficial because there are news outlets that inform you about current events. There are educational outlets, as well that can help students.

However, I do think there should be a limit on how long you are on TikTok. So many people around the world are abusing the amount of time they use on TikTok. Personally, I have sat on TikTok and not even realized that three hours have gone by, and many people face this issue as well. Because it is so easy to pass the time while on TikTok, I watch TikToks rather than studying for tests or doing homework. Being able to have a limit will help this issue because then work will get done.

I think TikTok should not be banned because the pros outway the cons. However, when used too much it can become an addiction. Social media in general is addicting, so I don’t think we should only target TikTok.