On Jan. 19, 2024 the popular app, TikTok, was banned nationally by the United States Congress for a number of reasons including theories about the app and its threats to national security. The short-lived ban was halted just a day later, upon President Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, with an executive order granting the company 75 days to find an owner who is based in the US or in one of the allied countries.

Now that the ban has been lifted temporarily, users are happy that they can go back to watching the short videos they enjoy and connecting with friends. Being a popular social media platform, students at Mater Dei use TikTok as a form of entertainment and to share what is happening in their daily lives. Students like Mater Dei freshman Sofia Mendoza use TikTok to see what is happening in people’s lives and how they go about their day. 

“It’s fun to look at people’s different morning routines, or ‘like’ what they’re doing with their life in different parts of the world and everything like that and it’s fun,” Mendoza said. “I get to send fun videos to my friends and it’s nice.”

Like other social media apps, TikTok creates a portal that leads users away from reality and immerses them in a world of entertaining videos. However, there is a lot of content that can be considered dangerous or not healthy, especially for teens. Mendoza believes TikTok was originally banned because of the negative content that is accessible to all users.

“[TikTok] doesn’t leave a positive impact on a lot of people’s lives,” Mendoza said. “It’s kind of a negative outlet sometimes and [users] go on their phone and don’t actually talk to people. It was a way to avoid conversation, and it wasn’t beneficial for some people.” 

Sophomore Raphael Bolis, however, sees a positive aspect in TikTok. The app often showcases educational videos that are both fun to watch and interest the user.

“[TikTok] videos benefit me because I learn from the videos, with science and stuff.” Bolis said.

Shortly after the 12-hour ban on TikTok for Americans, Congress allowed a 75-day extension to keep the platform running in the United States for the time being. Without the app, many social media influencers who make most of their living on TikTok will lose their steady income and become financially unstable. Bolis suggests other social media platforms that could be used among Americans if the ban is set for good. 

“[Users] would probably migrate to Instagram reels or YouTube shorts, stuff like that [which is] similar to TikTok.” Bolis said.

English Teacher Joshua Long empathises with TikTok content creators and the financial risk challenges they face in light of the upcoming ban.

“The larger concern would be the individuals that are making their living [on TikTok],” Long said. “[After the ban], what are they going to do with their next business venture or what social media platform are they going to transition over to? [It is hard on them] because even if they move to some other social media platform, that doesn’t mean that they’re going to be successful.”

The brief TikTok ban in the U.S created a lot of mixed emotions among American users, including Mater Dei students who have social profiles on the platform. Furthermore, the impending ban that may occur on the app raises concerns about the financial and social implications for content creators. Other apps, like Instagram and Youtube, which are similar to TikTok, could take place as another form of entertainment, but some TikTok users may not carry the same following or volume of subscribers on the alternate platforms. With the future of TikTok being uncertain, its potential ban leaves American users disconsolate and searching for a way to adapt without the platform.