A large social media app might be about to disappear. Photo collage courtesy of senior Samantha Gomez.
San Luis Obispo High School students often find themselves scrolling on the popular app known as TikTok. However, the future of the app is now uncertain, and SLOHS students have some strong opinions.
During Joe Biden’s presidency, he signed a bill that sped up the inspection process of the app. Creating a large debate of what to do with TikTok from every age.
With the progress the users have made on TikTok, the fear of enemies getting the consumer’s information is not the only concern now. It is every individual who uses social media for more than just entertaining videos.
“I don’t support the idea of banning TikTok in the US as it will take away millions of Americans’ voices and people will lose their creativity if TikTok is banned” said junior Fernando Rios.
But that doesn’t mean that this social media platform doesn’t have areas it can improve on, and students are split on their views of the platform.
“I think TikTok is a bad social media platform and one kid[s] shouldn’t use. It should definitely be better with age restrictions.” said junior Shawn Webber.
The way it’s very easy to download and reach younger generations can negatively impact students.
SLOHS students and staff know through studies and personal experience, the potential negative consequences of excessive social media usage, especially in the wake of the pandemic, where students and teachers often found themselves on screens for unrestricted amounts of time. Teachers have voiced concerns that Tik Tok might especially harm students.
“[On TikTok there is] even less social interaction with peers.” said math teacher Scott Rosenblum.
Then again, it is not just TikTok itself that is the problem. It is how addicting social media is to everyone today.
“I think that TikTok holds a lot of power over people but if it gets banned, an equivalent app is going to be used instead, so it won’t actually get rid of the root of the problem.” said senior Hannah Brewster.
TikTok could be replaced with other social media apps or have shared areas where the videos can be seen. Today, other platforms already have much of the content that can be found on TikTok.
“I often come across TikTok content shared on other platforms like YouTube and Instagram.” said spanish teacher Belen Blasquez.
Right now, the ban on TikTok is up to the will of president-elect Donald Trump and members of congress.
Source: pewresearch.org
