TikTok is a social and cultural app that has taken over the digital world. With 1.582 billion users worldwide, it entertains, educates, informs, and curates popular and internet culture by shaping trends, conversations, and communities far beyond the app.
TikTok is a powerhouse. The influence the app has is unfathomable, and among the 1.582 billion users, 170 million of those users are American.
For a few years, there has been discourse surrounding banning the app in America. The first attempt was made in 2020 under the Trump administration. However, that attempt failed, and TikTok has been a thriving app in the U.S. ever since.
Throughout the five years since 2020, there have been multiple conversations about TikTok getting banned, but the app has been restored every time. However, the American TikTok has recently become very real, and further movements with the ban seem to be in closer effect.
But why does America want to ban TikTok?
Simply put, America wants to ban TikTok because of national security concerns. ByteDance is a Chinese company and the owner of TikTok; therefore, the U.S. has concerns about the Chinese government having access to users’ data.Â
U.S. officials are also concerned about TikTok’s influence in spreading misinformation, cyberattacks, and espionage. Also, the app’s influence on public opinion, especially around elections, is a significant concern.
There are also arguments about TikTok’s algorithm. The algorithm on the app is addicting and curated for every user, which can be harmful and relate to other issues surrounding mental health and misinformation.
And finally, the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China fuel America’s distrust of Chinese companies, making TikTok the number one target in the U.S. Â
The Economic and Cultural Impact of TikTok:
TikTok has become more than just a social media platform. Ordinary people have created their lives from the app and rely on it as their income.
Brands and small businesses use TikTok to market and advertise their products. Businesses rely on the app to sell their products.
Users use the app to escape reality, and even though the algorithms can be addicting, the app has become a safe space for many.
According to the Washington Post, in 2024, TikTok generated approximately 24.2 billion for the U.S. economy. The TikTok Shop marketplace alone generates 7 million worth of products a day in the U.S.
It’s no secret that TikTok thrives in the American market, so you can imagine the reactions of millions of American users when they heard about the January 19th ban.
What happened on January 19th, 2025?
The days leading up to the ban were an impending doom for so many users.
American TikTokers were vocalizing their frustration and sadness for the ban on the app and other platforms.
People were angry and did not agree with what was happening with the banning of the app. Social media influences were seen crying, some ranting, and others confessing the lies they’ve told on the app, thinking that the app would be going away in just a few days.
On January 18th, around 10:00 pm, the app became inaccessible in the United States, two hours before the initial ban. However, on January 20th, President Donald Trump issued an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day reprieve from the ban, allowing the app back online and for Americans to use.
The app’s current state is perfectly fine, but its future is uncertain. The app’s fate hinges on ongoing negotiations, potential regulatory changes, and its parent company, ByteDance, ‘s response to U.S. government demands. With national security concerns, political pressures, and economic interests all at play, the debate over TikTok’s presence in the U.S. will likely continue.
Ultimately, whether TikTok remains in the U.S. or faces a permanent ban will not only shape the future of digital culture but also set a precedent for how governments regulate global technology in an increasingly interconnected world.
