As we all know, Tiktok will be banned on all devices on January 19th 2025. ByteDance, a Chinese technology company, founded by Zhang Yiming created Tiktok. This company has the U.S supreme court on edge, considering the possibility that the Chinese government is able to spy on millions of users on Tiktok and collect their data. However, it is not guaranteed, but the inhabitants of the U.S should be able to adapt to this new change. Even so, this will affect students and even adults because they will be able to focus on other things, rather than scroll on the app. The ban might help Generation Z’s phone addiction and help expand the young adults’ minds.

This never ending topic has been occurring since 2020, before COVID-19. In 2020, Donald Trump believed Tiktok was a security threat to the U.S. In order to get around the U.S’s hindrance to Tiktok’s progress, ByteDance devised an idea: to give a part of their assets and control to the U.S government. However, the Chinese government still had more control than the U.S did, therefore, they were still able to use data and information from the users. So, here we are. Five years later and the U.S has now decided to take ultimate action. However, the current generation will be affected by this.

Many young adults have decided to take matters into their own hands and go to a Chinese originated app: RedNote. RedNote is very similar to TikTok, however it is still regulated by the Chinese government. On January 14th, Senator Ed Markey proposed a 270 day delay for Tiktok to be banned. Therefore, President Biden decided to step back and allow future President Trump to take the lead on this one. Concerning RedNote users, they have been bombarded by many Americans who bring their own Tik Tok videos. RedNote can be considered as the “new” Tiktok, although, the U.S might still have a problem concerning a security breach. Here are some interviews with Newman students who will be affected by this problem.

 Do you believe Tiktok will be banned on January 19th?

Student 1: “I think it’ll be permanently unavailable for Americans […] honestly I’m not sure because it’s been really unclear what will happen to it. It would for sure be inaccessible though.”

Student 2: “I can’t predict it but I feel like it might be delayed [because of the] technological process, it’s not easy to shut down an entire app, including the push back from the people. I’m indifferent because Tiktok acts as a distraction and countless hours scrolling versus being productive. It’s nothing but a source of dopamine.”

Have you downloaded RedNote?

Student 1: “Yes, I’ve actually had RedNote downloaded previously because I’m Chinese and wanted to be more familiar with the language. Funny enough I was actually watching it when I was in China for the summer because TikTok was blocked there”

Student 2: “Someone told me to but I never followed through, honestly I don’t think I will.”

Do you think the Tiktok ban will help students focus on work?

Student 1: “For sure. Personally I spend way too much time on TikTok so I’ll definitely be more productive without it. I know people will find alternative apps to doom-scroll in, but honestly there hasn’t been an app as addictive as TikTok. I’m sad to see it go but at least it’ll make me a bit more focused.”

Student 2: “I wish but people will always find a source for distraction because they would rather evade work. Some want to avoid it so they will find something else, but for others, it may greatly improve their concentration. There are many apps that promote scrolling for hours endlessly, yet Tiktok proves to be the most captivating of them all. By removing the app i believe it will definitely increase focus for some.”

As mentioned in these interviews, the Tiktok ban is still up for discussion, although there is not an answer whether or not they will indefinitely follow through with their plan. This goes to show this topic is still in motion and can change very easily. There are many rumors surrounding the fact that someone could buy the company, however, no one has verified this. Additionally, RedNote has increased in users and popularity, which further enables the addictive behavior on phones. There are many positives and negatives to this situation, however people’s focus on work and willingness to do things of their own volition, without an app telling them to, is on the line. Either way, everyone will be impacted by this development or even its potential termination.

At 9:47 CST on January 18th, Tiktok was terminated.