The potential TikTok ban could disrupt livelihoods and access to vital information for millions of users across the U.S.
Washington D.C.: The future of TikTok is uncertain, and many creators and users are worried about what a ban could mean for them. If the app gets shut down, it could lead to significant cultural and economic losses for millions of Americans.
Oliver Haimson, a professor at the University of Michigan, pointed out that many people rely on TikTok not just for fun but also for community support and information. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently looking at a law signed by President Biden that raises security concerns about TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance.
This law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner by January 19 or face a ban. The Supreme Court justices are debating whether to intervene, while TikTok’s lawyers argue that shutting down the app would infringe on free speech for its 170 million American users.
For creators like Callie Goodwin from Columbia, South Carolina, TikTok is more than just a platform; it’s a source of income. She flew to D.C. to advocate against the ban, sharing how TikTok helped her small business thrive during the pandemic. Her greeting card company saw a huge boost in sales thanks to the app’s unique algorithm.
Goodwin explained that TikTok’s algorithm helps small businesses reach new customers, something she struggled to do on other platforms like Facebook and Instagram. She’s not alone; about 27 million creators in the U.S. earn some income from social media, with many relying on TikTok for their livelihoods.
Goodwin mentioned that if TikTok goes away, it would severely impact her income and that of her friends who have left their full-time jobs to focus on creating content. Recently, some U.S. senators introduced a bill to delay the January deadline, arguing that the ban could have serious consequences for millions of users.
Haimson emphasized that TikTok is a vital space for sharing information, especially during emergencies. The app has become a lifeline for many, providing resources and community support during tough times.
Experts like Casey Fiesler, who creates educational content on TikTok, also value the connections made through the platform. She finds that TikTok’s algorithm helps her reach the right audience, making her content more impactful.
With TikTok’s unique features, users can discover content without following anyone, which has changed how people engage with social media. This has allowed younger generations to witness global events in real-time, creating a sense of connection that many fear losing.
If the ban happens, TikTok plans to shut down its app for U.S. users, and some might try to use VPNs to access it. However, this could pose security risks. Experts believe that if TikTok is banned, users will likely scatter to various platforms, leading to a fragmented online community.
Some alternative apps are already seeing a rise in downloads, but none seem to replicate TikTok’s unique vibe. The potential loss of TikTok is felt deeply by creators and everyday users alike, as it has opened doors to new ideas and connections.
In the end, the impact of a TikTok ban could be far-reaching, affecting not just creators but also the millions of users who have found community and support through the app.
