On Jan. 18, the popular app TikTok was banned across the United States. This left TikTok users in a state of shock and sadness. TikTok was an easy way for people to keep up with current events, as well as entertaining and relatable content. After heated debates in Congress and the Supreme Court, officials claimed the ban was due to concerns that the Chinese-Communist Party was using TikTok to spread misinformation to Americans. However, just 10 hours later, the app unexpectedly returned around noon on Jan. 19. Many PPCHS students have strong opinions concerning the ban and the controversy surrounding the app.
“The time without the app honestly felt liberating. I wasn’t ready to let all the memories go. Even though I spend so much of my time on [TikTok], those few hours without it felt like I was finally giving my brain a break from social media and pop culture.”- Isabella Mori, Sophomore
“ I don’t believe TikTok should be banned because it is such an important app when it comes to self-expression. It was a safe space for everyone to feel seen, heard, and represented. The few hours without the app felt like forever. It is an app loved by many, especially me!”- Bryana Capellan, Senior
“I honestly thought that it was a joke at first since I heard that they’ve tried to do it before but never have. It’s a great platform to learn new things, express yourself, and connect with people. The few hours without it were boring but, somehow I managed to be productive for the time that it was gone.”- Maryam Siddiqui, Sophomore
“I wish people didn’t overlook how informational and educational the app can be, especially when the information is presented in a conversational tone that’s fast-paced, making it extremely easy to absorb. But for a while, I thought it was good that I didn’t have that constant distraction in my life. ”- Robertzsa Joseph, Junior
“Seeing a message pop up refraining me from opening the app caught me by surprise. I believe the benefits of TikTok outweigh the drawbacks. The positive impact it has had on so many of its users gives it a good enough reason not to be banned. ”- Ashna Zacharias, Sophomore
“I admit that some people are addicted to TikTok, but there are millions of other users who utilize the app for educational purposes. If you’ve watched the hearings with the CEO, you’d realize that our government is a joke — a group of millennials who are blinded by their gains and don’t look at any facts. I don’t think the answer was to ban it for everyone.” – Faizan Shah, Junior
“TikTok allows people to connect in ways no other platform allows. I was happy that I would get more focused on my work but at the same time, I realized I had nothing else to pass the time. I hope TikTok doesn’t get banned. I have drafts of videos since freshman year and I don’t want to lose those memories.”- Diedra Pabon, Senior
