Is TikTok Really The Problem Here?

Headlines across the globe are all over the potential TikTok ban debate and for many obvious reasons. Originally launched in China in 2016 and later released globally in 2017, TikTok has, for the most part, become the world's top video and social media app. Small businesses and creators have made it their full-time job. Virality for most is a quick dancing video away, and for those who are not creators, overall enjoy the 24/7 entertainment and short-form content the platform enables.

Yet, the ongoing debate and controversy about TikTok's potential ban in the United States highlights much broader issues of geopolitics, digital privacy, and overall societal well-being. In other words, I don't think banning TikTok will solve anything; if the ban does fall through, it would be like putting a band-aid over a much deeper and more complicated wound.

Geopolitical Tensions

At its core, the TikTok debate reflects the geopolitical tensions between the US and China, highlighting broader concerns about technological sovereignty and national security. The fear that the Chinese government could use TikTok to influence the US underscores the larger battle for digital dominance between the two superpowers. This issue is not limited to TikTok but rather reflects the global struggle for control over the technologies that shape our era.

Data Privacy

The privacy concerns associated with TikTok also raise broader issues in the digital landscape, particularly collecting and using personal data. While TikTok is under scrutiny, it's important to note that extensive data collection is the norm, not the exception, for many social media platforms. This raises a significant question: are we, as a society, comfortable with the level of personal information that digital platforms collect, regardless of their country of origin?

A U.S. ban on the app would raise First Amendment issues and could set a precedent for global censorship. Instead of a ban, the U.S. should enhance privacy and transparency standards for all social media to address foreign influence and ensure user data protection.

We should advocate for a federal privacy law to limit data collection and sharing, suggesting that more informed regulation could provide insights into TikTok's operations and mitigate risks while preserving internet freedom and expression.

Censorship and Freedom

Additionally, the potential TikTok ban raises concerns about freedom of expression and the role of digital platforms in shaping public discourse. TikTok has become a significant outlet for creativity and expression, particularly among younger generations. Limiting access to TikTok could stifle this outlet for expression and diminish the diversity of voices in the digital public square. This aspect of the debate touches on core principles of democratic societies, including the right to free speech and the value of diverse viewpoints.

Gen-z's Mental Health Crisis

Another dimension of the TikTok controversy is its implications for mental health, particularly among young people. The addictive nature of TikTok and similar platforms has sparked concerns about their impact on attention spans, self-esteem, and overall mental well-being. While TikTok is often singled out, these issues are common to the broader social media landscape, where algorithms are designed to captivate users' attention at the expense of their health.

A recent report by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation found that Gen Z, aged 12 to 27, reports the lowest mental health levels of any generation, with only 44% feeling prepared for the future.

Gen-Z, in particular, expresses concerns about the impact of social media on their privacy and mental health. Many feel overwhelmed by the addictive design of these platforms and the invasive nature of targeted advertising. Amnesty International's survey highlights the need for more transparent privacy policies and changes to algorithmic recommendations to respect users' rights.

Internationally, the US's stance on TikTok has global implications. Other countries are watching closely and may follow suit, potentially leading to a more fragmented internet, where access to information and platforms varies significantly by geography.

The European Union is particularly active in this area, specifically around data, drafting and finalizing laws to regulate data usage comprehensively, not just for personal data but also for non-personal data, to foster better access and sharing practices.

The TikTok debate also highlights broader societal concerns about the power of tech companies. As these corporations grow in influence, their decisions, ranging from data privacy practices to content moderation policies, have profound implications for societies worldwide. The TikTok case exemplifies the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to regulating tech companies and addressing their significant effects on our society, democracy, and the world.

While this topic may raise more questions than answers, I still believe it is prevalent for companies, governments, and people to work collectively on how to best solve the problem at hand.

The debate over TikTok is not merely about an app but about the future of the digital age. It's about how we balance national security with global interconnectedness, protect privacy while fostering innovation, and ensure that we foster a safer digital world that benefits all members of society, not just the tech titans that build it.