Clocking Out: Students React to TikTok's Ban
Reported by Katelyn Lam
Illustrated by Mia Baukol
TikTok faced a temporary ban in the United States starting Jan. 19 after the Supreme Court deemed the app a national security threat. However, the ban was quickly reversed within 24 hours.
“There are so many better things that they could do,” said student Evan Roberts. “We’re going to ban an app and not worry about actual issues going on in the world or our country.”
Initially, it was reported that TikTok would become slow, glitchy, or display a message stating its service was unavailable, similar to when India banned the app in 2020. Student Kendall Proffeta expressed disappointment about the potential loss of the app, saying, “I just feel like a part of me is gone. All of my entertainment was on that app.”
TikTok and its legal team argued that the ban infringed on free speech rights. “The whole point of America is that we have free speech and we’re allowed to say what we want and kind of do what we want within reason,” Roberts said.
In response to the potential ban, some users began transitioning to other platforms like Instagram and the Chinese app RedNote. However, Proffeta noted, “I don’t think it [TikTok] can be easily replicated. I don’t think there’s another app quite like TikTok.”
TikTok has created opportunities for small businesses, independent creators, and social interactions. “There’s a lot of small businesses who use TikTok to get their business across,” Roberts said. “There are also so many people who are creators on TikTok. It’s their way of making money.”
For many, the app was more than entertainment, it was a platform for learning, cultural exchange, and building connections. Roberts shared, “I’ve made quite a few friends on there [TikTok], which is pretty cool, and I’ve gotten closer with some other friends. I found my favorite band because of TikTok. Music is a huge part of me and my life, and TikTok has a lot of music stuff on there, so I’m able to explore and expand my music taste a lot.”
TikTok service, initially disabled on Jan. 18, was restored after 14 hours. “TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” the company stated. “We thank President Trump… We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
President Trump originally led the effort to ban Tik Tok in 2020. President Trump has recently stated that he would likely have the future of the app clarified within the month after his inauguration.