A social media user opens up the TikTok app. (Adobe Stock)
As TikTok’s global phenomenon continues impacting the social media world through educational segments, funny memes to lifestyle advice, recent changes in the app’s ownership, censorship and data and privacy policies may force American users to abandon the platform for good.
The new U.S. TikTok privacy policy differs from the ongoing global policy in that sensitive information, such as sexual orientation, location, religious affiliation or other personal data can be shared, or sold to American corporations and governmental entities.
Despite these changes, the overarching impact of TikTok, especially within adolescent populations, is hard to ignore. Konnor Paul, a junior at FAMU, had much to say about the effect of TikTok on students.
“If TikTok disappeared tomorrow, students would lose a big outlet for stress relief, creativity and connection. A lot of people use it to relax, learn quick tips, find community, or feel less alone.”
Madison Spaulding, a FAMU business administration alumna, has similar ideologies on TikTok’s influence in her own personal life.
“TikTok has taught me to be open to all perspectives, viewpoints and opinions, while also maintaining accuracy and credibility. It has shown me that opinion and fact can co-exist.”
Despite many of these positive effects, the influence that TikTok has on younger demographics can be viewed as a spectrum. Now, hours out of the day are spent doomscrolling on TikTok, swiping through videos, rather than spending time outdoors or practicing healthy habits. Doomscrolling is an addictive act that can have adverse effects on mental and physical well-being; which can progress into extremes like depression and anxiety. FAMU senior Nydia Roman, spoke of being aware of the dangers but continues to carry a different outlook of the app.
“TikTok has given me a shorter attention span, but makes it easier to stay informed in one central location rather than having to seek information in other areas,” Roman said. Roman also expressed that “students would lose their minds” if they were not able to utilize the app.
When discussing privacy concerns due to these policy alterations, some students do not seem to be affected by this notion. Roman stated that these updated policies do not worry her. The long-term results of TikTok’s policy changes remain unknown to American users. For now, TikTok appears to maintain its influence within the social media realm.
“Concerns about privacy don’t affect how I use the app because TikTok remains my app of choice. I use it daily to stay in the loop, and to browse through comical content to boost my mood. I’m not doing anything serious on it in the first place. I assume every app monitors us,” Roman said.