Panic ensued on January 18th, 2025 when many people’s favorite app TikTok was banned due to insecure data and privacy concerns. To the relief of millions, the app was back up and running the very next day. Junior Lila Huddle says that, “the TikTok ban made me very upset initially because I didn’t want to lose the fun that came with making fun TikTok’s with my friends.”
President Donald Trump allowed the app to be unbanned, allowing TikTok more time to find ways to secure the app and abide by the law. TikTok has been removed from the app store and can no longer update regardless of the ban being lifted. Meaning those who deleted the app when the ban initially was enforced can no longer redownload and continue their scrolling and filming. Huddle stated that she imagines the anticipation of this ban has hit many people hard and has probably created a lot of stress especially for influencers.
TikTok for many, creates laughter, provides information, and is a form of escapism from day to day life. Huddle believes that some people have a problematic dependency on the app and for some the short term ban may have been a good thing to get people off of their phones, even if it was just for a short time. Maybe the ban could have been a positive change and an opportunity to end a cycle of mindless scrolling for millions?