In 2020, Former President Donald Trump proposed a ban on the app Tiktok, following rumors that it was used by China to “steal our information”. Recently, it has gone to Congress to see if it really will be banned in the US or sold to an American company. Through several interviews and with trials to come, the Internet has gone crazy trying to get the beloved app to stay. 

The backlash on the proposed policy has been overwhelming, especially from teens and young adults. Outcries from every state fill TikTok feeds along with videos pleading to Congress to keep the app and not impose a “forced” selling. Many students at our own Apex HIgh school feel conflicted. 

“Honestly, as much as I will cry when it eventually happens, it will be better for everyone,” says Briana Taylor, a senior. Bliss Harrell adds  “I think it will be better for my mental health.”

The general consensus of teens express their grief of the app leaving while recognizing some of the potential perks of it leaving app circulation. Senior Charlotte Zanone says, “I think that even though the house passed the TikTok ban bill, it is unlikely that it will pass through the senate as well as the president. Even if it does, it will take a long time, so I’m not worried. Plus I probably need to stop spending hours scrolling and get off my phone.” There are also polarizing opinions of support like Nayla Al-Mussawir adding “I think that if we were really worried about ‘China stealing our information’ , we would make actual efforts to stop it rather than just banning apps.”

With all that being said, the decision is still up in the air, and the future of TikTok is uncertain for now. With petitions going around and the Senate voting soon, it’s the hottest topic around.