Opinion: TikTok is the Least Concerning Issue for America

California; Hayward — In the first three months of 2024, we have seen so many issues in the world actively growing. From wars on the other side of the world to political instability in the United States, one may wonder: What did TikTok ever do?

TikTok being banned in the U.S. sounds really strange on paper. A social media app that has been around for only a few years did so much harm to our country that it prompted a ban? Meanwhile, school shootings have become such a negative stain on American culture that people are desensitized to every new report of a mass shooting at school. Nationwide quality of life is steadily decreasing for young people due to low wages and high cost of living. Many people don’t even know what to consider “middle-class” because of the income disparity between generations.

So what seems to be the issue with TikTok? The landscape of media has been evolving in recent times with more people getting their news from less formal sources like social media platforms and content creators who just know a lot about things going on in real life.

According to Axios, Gen Z often gets their news through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, even if they aren't actively seeking it out. This trend is significant because it indicates a shift away from direct visits to trusted news sources. TikTok has emerged as a prominent news source, with a Pew survey showing a significant increase in its usage for news consumption among adults under 30. Social media serves as a discovery tool for various interests, including news, but users still engage in further research and discussions. However, there are concerns about misinformation on platforms like TikTok. Media outlets targeting younger audiences are adapting by creating explainer videos and text-based posts tailored to these platforms. Additionally, there's a growing awareness of smartphone addiction, prompting initiatives to reduce screen time and encourage purposeful news consumption. Startups like RocaNews are experimenting with techniques to make news consumption more enjoyable and rewarding, akin to language-learning apps like Duolingo.

Based on what is apparent and known about TikTok’s influence on Gen Z, it’s clear that information control is a bigger deal than actual issues like gun control, women’s rights or addressing the insane amount of money that is funneled into the pockets of other big governments for a mutual interest. The worst part about all this is how many people will lose income from the ban on TikTok. Many content creators have been able to flourish through the platform. It’s unfair that a ban is being considered for an app that contributes to American culture, society and economy.

That being said, the issue on the surface has everything to do with TikTok’s owners being foreign and the idea that TikTok has been a security threat to the U.S. When it comes down to the security of our nation, we would benefit more from the government cracking down on excessive gun ownership or reducing tax incentives for billion-dollar corporations that refuse to conform to living wages and benefits for their workers.

Noumaan Faiz, (he/him) is a journalist and entertainer from Hayward, CA who covers culture and entertainment.

Edited by Nykeya Woods