The Importance of TikTok
Millions of teenagers worldwide have found themselves one of the 800 million users of TikTok, and it’s all about to come crashing down.
TikTok is a social media app with origins in China. In September 2018, the app took off on IOS devices all across the world, accumulating a staggering 1.9 billion downloads. However, the US government now fears TikTok’s foreign origins could result in a leak of American data. Now, teens are worried that the popular app that has absorbed their lives is in jeopardy.
More than just a social media platform, TikTok has held a firm grip on its adolescent users since day one – and for good reason. For the past two years, TikTok has been a platform that lets teens express their creative interests while spreading awareness on pressing issues. Using this app, influencers have inspired and helped build their audience’s self-esteem. Adolescents have turned to TikTok to develop and display their individuality.
In recent times, adults have tried to limit teens’ new-found influence. TikTok’s younger generation uses the media platform to rebel against the status quo. Some speculate that TikTok’s attempted banning may also stem from adults that disagree with a massive spread of such ideas. The “Boomers” and “Karens” have come together in protest of the app because they feel it is a “toxic” environment run by teens with strong opinions. Nonetheless, teens argue that the app promotes self-confidence, knowledge, and acceptance of others throughout its platform.
The recent news of TikTok’s removal went viral, causing chaos amongst its younger users. Popular creators have come to express their gratitude for the life-changing app. These creators have thanked fans for helping each other grow as people and have expressed the hope of continuing on another platform in the future. As the days go by, adolescents all over the US wait eagerly for answers about whether an American company will be able to salvage TikTok and continue the controversial platform for all.