TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been growing as a platform since its release in 2015 and now has billions of users on it. It serves as a medium for a wide range of content, from viral dances and trends to educational material, and allows millions to connect and communicate. However, concerns regarding data privacy and national security related to the app have increased. This has led to legislative actions banning or restricting TikTok in various regions, particularly in the United States.

Many users have expressed frustration over the potential ban, arguing that TikTok has become an integral part of their daily lives. Ella Forney, 12, stated, “What am I going to do without TikTok?” For many, TikTok is an entertainment platform and a creative outlet.

Some educators use TikTok to share study tips and educational content to aid learning. Conversely, some members of the older generation disagree with its continued availability. Mr. Hunt, a teacher at Hidden Valley, commented, “I think it’s a great thing that it is getting banned; I think it’s a waste of time, space, and energy.”

If TikTok were to be banned altogether, there are indications that the users might consider moving to “Red Note,” another Chinese-owned app, which would undermine the rationale behind prohibiting TikTok. Whether you see TikTok as a vital app or a potential security threat, these opinions highlight the social media platform’s complexity. It’s not just a place for entertainment but an outlet to help creatively express yourself.