As the TikTok bill is in the process of being passed, students find themselves at the forefront of a digital revolution. Policymakers are deciding to ban TikTok, which potentially impacts students who use this app often. This pivotal moment prompts reflection on the implications for their digital lives and raises questions about the future accessibility and safety of their favorite platform. With TikTok’s possibility of departure, students face the loss of virtual comfort, a space for self-expression, connection, and escape from the pressures of daily life.
A student named Daniella Aki Sanya from Wheeler High School was interviewed about the mental and physical impact of the TikTok bill on students. She implies that if TikTok becomes banned, it can benefit students negatively and positively. She explains how TikTok can be used as an educational app, which means students would feel less connected to the world if these educational resources were gone. However, TikTok is used for more than just academic purposes. It can be used for drama, new music, workouts, and comedy. This means students will lose the ability to be updated with the world. She also explains that if TikTok becomes banned, it will give students more time to manage their life routines properly. This includes working out, socializing, and focusing on your academic studies.
A student named Jazmin Rivera was also interviewed about why the TikTok Bill was passed. Jazmin explains that the TikTok bill is being passed because the U.S. has feared that China has been passing information through TikTok. She implies that U.S. legislators fear that TikTok could be secretly controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, which is the reason the U.S. wants to regulate the policies. However, TikTok should be banned for many reasons, including addictiveness, mental health, controversy, and data security. Content that promotes eating disorders, tobacco use, or suicide is a concern.
Furthermore, controversy can pose a hazardous situation or conflict. Data leaks are a risk with any online service and are common with social media. This confirms that TikTok may be banned for many reasons.
Another student named Danielle Cherry was also interviewed about the social media platforms students are most likely to use. She explains that many other social media platforms are as popular as TikTok. She implies how many students would likely switch to Instagram, as Instagram reels have become popular over the last few years, mainly due to its similarity to TikTok. She states that many users would be upset about TikTok being banned. However, many other social media platforms exist, including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat. and Twitter. This demonstrates that there are many different alternatives to the TikTok app.
In conclusion, the TikTok bill has a positive and negative impact on students mentally and physically. However, if TikTok becomes banned, it will give students more of an advantage as they should focus primarily on their academic studies, school, activities, and clubs. Moreover, the TikTok Bill being passed is for a good purpose. It provides the U.S. with more security within the social media system. Furthermore, banning TikTok helps avoid controversy, dangerous content, data leaks, and children’s safety. Moreover, many other social platforms are similar to TikTok, meaning TikTok can be replaceable along with its content and popularity.
