Baldwin students are divided over the future of TikTok after the U.S. government attempted to ban the popular app, citing national security concerns. While some worry about losing a space for creativity and connection, others acknowledge potential risks.
The sudden ban, which lasted less than 24 hours before being reversed, left many questioning TikTok’s role in their daily lives. From small businesses to viral trends, the platform has shaped how students interact with the world.
“There have been multiple threats to ban TikTok in the past, so I didn’t think that they would take the ban as seriously as they did,” Eva Jiang ‘28 said. “I was pretty upset that it ended up officially getting banned.”
The Biden administration first proposed the ban due to national security concerns, citing TikTok’s ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance. Critics feared that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government.
After initial backlash, President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending TikTok’s continuation in the United States, leaving TikTok’s future uncertain. For many Baldwin students, the app is more than just entertainment — it’s a tool for connection.
“I think that TikTok helps small businesses and connects younger generations together to create a stronger sense of community with each other,” Jiang said.
Others emphasized the role that TikTok plays in shaping conversations and trends.
“People spend a lot of time on the app, but I think that overall, I think TikTok allows people to talk to each other about topics of common interest,” Zeng said.
While students appreciate the platform’s benefits, others remain cautious about its influence.
“With any social media platform, there is a level of distraction it offers,” Librarian Ms. Maia Hajj said. “It has its benefits of escapism, but it also comes with its downsides of misinformation and bad influence.”
Beyond distraction, privacy concerns are also at the forefront of the debate.
“There are certainly privacy concerns, especially with the majority of users being minors on the platform,” Ms. Lauren Friedman-Way said.
While concerns over data privacy and national security continue, many argue that TikTok fosters community, provides economic opportunities, and is no different from other American-owned social media platforms. As discussions continue between the government and ByteDance, the fate of TikTok remains in the hands of the future.
