The revolutionary invention of the popular app TikTok has shifted media consumption as we know it. With short videos about every topic imaginable, users of all different ages around the world find themselves scrolling in admiration to their perfectly curated feed for as long as they please. Filling empty space in people’s days, doom scrolling has a grasp on individuals everywhere, and it cannot be stopped, or can it?
On Jan. 19, 2025, TikTok was initially going to be banned in the United States (U.S.) due to the government’s concern about the Chinese company having access to American users’ information. After a brief few hours into the ban, the app was brought back and delayed for an additional 75 days. Since the platform has grown so much in popularity, many users use TikTok as a news outlet, leading history teacher Peter Palen to be frantic about how users’ media consumption will change as a result.
“I worry about the First Amendment implications of banning information, but at the same time, I also worry about our national security,” Palen said.
Beyond access to information, many users such as Andia Nazarko ’26 are attached to TikTok as a simple source of entertainment.
“I’m upset about it because I watch Tiktok a lot. It helps me unwind and I use a lot of my free time watching Tiktok,” Nazarko said.
Although the absence of TikTok will be frustrating to current users, there are still benefits. Chloe Caulfield ’25 has personally chosen to delete TikTok at different points in her life for her own wellbeing.
“I feel like I get really distracted by it and it drains me when I am scrolling on it for hours,” Caulfield said.
Despite the entertainment people find through TikTok, even active users recognize that the app can be toxic. Looking into the future, Nazarko can see a healthier lifestyle ahead of her with a lower screen time.
“I think I’ll be a lot more productive, because I spend a good majority of my time on TikTok,” Nezarko said.
Since there has been lots of debate surrounding if or when TikTok should be banned and the reasoning behind it, Palen is amazed by the fact that in a time of such polarity in US politics, both democrats and republicans overwhelmingly agreed that changes need to be made if TikTik will continue to exist in the U.S.
“If both political parties are steadfast about banning or having it sold, you know that it’s notable,” Palen said.
Even though the possibility of TikTok leaving will be a major adjustment for millions of Americans, not all change is bad. Caulfield claims that she lives a happier life without TikTok and encourages others to embrace this change.
“It might make people get off their phones more and find better things to do with their time instead of scrolling,” Caulfield said.
