Potential impacts of a TikTok ban

The US government recently passed a law that may ban TikTok unless its parent company ByteDance agrees to divest its US holdings in nine months. 

Many rejoice about the potential TikTok ban, citing the app’s negative effects on children’s self-esteem and attention spans.

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On the other hand, experts warn removing the short-form video app will remove a critical medium for small businesses and online creators.

What are the negative effects of TikTok?

Many support the TikTok ban because they believe the app harms children’s mental health.

Research from De La Salle Senior High School Research Congress lists the following negative effects on young women: 

1. Making them feel like they have to improve something about themselves
2. Feeling conscious about their body
3. Wanting to be like the content creators they see on their For You Page
4. Feeling bad about themselves when reading TikTok comments

UK-based charity organization Children’s Society says the app promotes toxic masculinity. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America defines it with these traits:

• Toughness: Men are strong, aggressive, and emotionally hardened.  
• Anti-Femininity: Men reject all feminine traits, including most emotions, accepting help, and domesticity.  
• Power: Men are worthy only if they have money, power, status, and influence.  

Children’s Society also states TikTok promotes a negative body image. It encourages people to strive towards unrealistic body expectations. 

Most importantly, the video app encourages people to scroll through posts nonstop. This behavior may lead to an addiction that interferes with their education, work, and other important parts of life.

The TikTok ban might not solve these issues effectively because numerous social media networks already allow short-form videos. 

YouTube shorts, Facebook stories, and Instagram reels function like TikTok content. Consequently, people might transfer to these alternatives for the same effects. 

What are the positive impacts of TikTok?

Oxford Economics says TikTok fuels significant economic growth in the United States. It supports seven million US businesses, enabling 224,000 American jobs, and generates $24 billion in gross domestic product (GDP).

Dr. Jolivette Wallace, the associate dean of online business programs at Southern New Hampshire University, weighed in on the TikTok ban’s impact. 

“Considering the socioeconomic impact of this ban, companies that have invested in TikTok-related initiatives … may need to downsize or restructure if the platform is banned, resulting in potential job losses,” Wallace said. 

“TikTok has become increasingly important in modern marketing strategies for both large and small companies,” she added. 

You may advertise and sell products directly to users via the TikTok Shop. Moreover, many influencers rely on the app to earn income through sponsored content and brand partnerships.

“For many TikTok influencers, creating content is a full-time career. A ban on TikTok would be a career disruption, forcing them to adapt their content creation strategies, seek alternative platforms, or explore new career paths altogether,” the associate dean explained. 

TikTok also helps inform millions, especially Generation Z members. “Because the content is created by a diverse range of creators, followers are exposed to different perspectives and viewpoints on a variety of subjects,” Wallace stated. 

“The ban would limit the exposure to diverse voices, potentially limiting the understanding of different issues and topics.”

On May 8, 2024, TikTok sued the US government to block the TikTok ban law. BBC reported the social media company claimed it was an “extraordinary intrusion on free speech rights.”