Posted by By Lyla Laffin, Writer
Mindless scrolling and hours on end of countless promotions, ads, memes, dances, and information take up the majority of people’s lives in America and around the world. Whether we recognize it or not, social media platforms are the center of communication, business, and recreation in today’s society. In particular, TikTok, which is the 5th most popular social media app and number 1 among teens, is at risk of being banned in the US due to suspicion of Chinese espionage and infringement on American people and democracy. If this ban succeeds what kind of impact will it have on American online recreation and the economy?
Millions of small businesses and large corporations rely on TikTok for marketing purposes. By promoting these industries it not only supports the economy but also promotes capitalism and independent business corporations. According to the official TikTok website, approximately 5 million businesses use TikTok as an advertising platform to reach new consumers. On the other hand many argue that ad promotions on Tiktok lead to more substantial targeted advertisements and harmful algorithms that could harm American integrity and democracy. The economic impact TikTok has is just one of the many factors that contribute to the controversial debate.
Social expression and display of the arts are another element of this debate and a crucial aspect of TikTok and its users. TikTok dances, famously known by all ages have transformed the world of dance and its community. Many people have acquired lots of fame from creating and choreographing dances. Some famous people such as Charli D’Amelio, and Addison Rae have become celebrity icons from this platform and now have their TV shows and created their careers catalyzed by their TikTok fame. If TikTok is banned how will the transition of platforms impact those whose careers and display of artistic abilities are centered around the app itself?
All people, young and old, who use TikTok recreationally know the impact the social media platform has on different trends and popular ideas. TikTok spreads awareness about certain political and social issues happening around the world. Many see this as a powerful tool regarding free speech and expression in America. People use TikTok as a way of protesting or expressing their support or emotions on certain topics and can reach people of all ages easily. Nina Rogers, a Junior at New Paltz High School said “The trends you see on TikTok are often talked about in school” when asked what kind of impact TikTok has on her daily life. The open and targeted information can be helpful; however, dangerous algorithms put people in personal bubbles that only allow you to see what you want to see based on likes and your favorite videos. This can be detrimental because it risks polarization in media and politics which has been seen to have tremendous impacts on The United States’s democracy as seen on the January 6th, 2021 attack on the capitol.
As many other social media platforms do, TikTok particularly was a catalyst in uniting people across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only were people able to communicate with others during a time of secure lockdown, but also knew that other people were feeling similarly in regards to the pandemic. Many shared their personal experiences with isolation and fabricated a new wave of acceptance towards different mental health issues and awareness towards a previously overlooked topic among teens. This unification is still occurring 4 years later and its impacts have been substantial.
On a local scale, a poll was sent out to some New Paltz High School students revealing that 75 percent of the students questioned spend an hour or more on TikTok a day. “TikTok keeps me from going to bed”, says Ben Gorney, a Junior highlighting the excessive amounts of time people spend on the app. The poll also collected data showing that 50 percent of students would switch to Instagram reels if TikTok were to be banned. These results display how powerful not only TikTok but all social media platforms are in the daily lives of students in New Paltz and how this ban would impact them. Although TikTok has not been officially banned across all platforms the debate has permeated throughout all discussions in our local New Paltz community and the United States.
The Maroon 