TikTok, one of the largest social media platforms with over 1.6 billion users, went dark on the evening of January 18, 2025. Many teens were shocked by the ban and unsure if TikTok would return. Luckily for them, the ban was lifted a little over 12 hours later because of an executive order. The order did not eliminate the possibility of a TikTok ban in the United States. Instead, it grants a 75-day extension, allowing the government time to determine the appropriate course of action.

There have been many discussions of a potential TikTok ban, but it has never happened. When a message popped up on devices stating, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,” many users were left in disbelief.

For many teens, TikTok is a significant source of entertainment and inspiration. Would a world without TikTok be beneficial or detrimental?
On one hand, TikTok can be very entertaining. Although, maybe too captivating.

“TikTok relies heavily on how much time you spend watching each video to steer you toward more videos that will keep you scrolling,” New York Times Media Columnist, Ben Smith said.

The goal of TikTok is to get users hooked. The app has a strategic design to keep you there as long as possible. Nobody wants to get addicted, but it happens before you realize it.

“Sometimes, I try to go on TikTok for 30 minutes and then I end up being on it for hours and hours just because I’m procrastinating on other stuff,” freshman Julia Schoennauer said.

Many students agree that TikTok has prevented them from being as productive as possible. Instead of finishing an essay in 30 minutes,it takes two hours, because users tend to scroll once they blank on what to write next. Then again, the design makes it challenging to stop. In classrooms, students often scroll on their phones instead of completing their work. Even during a lecture, kids are scrolling on phones discreetly placed behind their computer screens or behind their books.

TikTok has had a massive impact on consumption and trends.

“This app defines people my age, dictates our conversations, chooses our outfits, and determines what we buy,” Juliet Weisfogel said in an NYT article.

There is always a new trend influencing TikTok users, especially teens. Trends are not always a negative thing. Trends bring people together and are a fun way to relate to one another. Whether it’s Uggs, Octobuddies, or slick backs, once something becomes a TikTok trend, everyone follows along.

On the other hand, constantly watching hauls and recommendation videos makes people feel they need to buy the latest popular items. Over time, teenagers may fall into the cycle of overconsumption and wastefulness. The TikTok Shop, a marketplace within the app, doesn’t help. Seeing tops priced at only 10 bucks makes it hard not to immediately purchase, even if the item is just a micro trend.

On the TikTok Shop, items are discounted to half their original price. Sellers create advertisements that appear on your For You page to persuade you to buy their products. While numerous consumers have reported scams and low product quality, others say that the quality is what you pay for and gives opportunities for small businesses to start up.

“The quality actually wasn’t too bad because some real brands are sold in the Tiktok shop, so you can get cheaper prices that are real,” freshman Isabelle Quinn said.

Additionally, TikTok is a platform for friends to connect, particularly when they don’t live nearby.

“I feel like if you have friends you don’t see that are far away, you can see them and see what they have going on,” Schoennauer said.

Watching your friends’ posts and commenting on them helps to stay in touch, even with somebody you haven’t seen in a long time. While it’s possible to keep in contact on other platforms such as Instagram or iMessage, watching a video feels more personal. Watching a friend’s get ready with me, storytime or haul video shows you what’s happening in their life more than a posed picture could. Without TikTok, teens may begin to lose touch with one another.

Overall, TikTok has its pros and cons. While TikTok is amusing, it’s distracting as well. TikTok connects people, but it also causes damaging comparisons. In the long term, removing the app may be the best.