The TikTok Takedown:
A Teen Author’s Take on Banning a Cultural Phenomenon
By
Colton Fidelman
As a member of Generation Z, I’ve grown up in a world where social media is embedded into nearly every aspect of life. Platforms like TikTok feel like second homes for me and my friends. So when I heard about the new bill proposing to ban TikTok in the U.S., I was shocked.
Don’t get me wrong – I understand the security concerns around TikTok’s ties to China which prompted the legislation. However, as a teen author who researches youth issues, I think lawmakers are vastly underestimating the potential fallout of blocking one of Gen Z’s most liked apps.
TikTok has over 100 million monthly active U.S. users, most of whom are teenagers and young adults like me. For millions, TikTok is an artistic outlet, a career, an identity. The app has launched the influencer careers of young creators and lets people bond over shared interests in a fun way traditional social media can’t.
Banning TikTok would cut teens off from a massive support network. I’ve seen shy, isolated kids find their tribe and gain confidence through TikTok communities. Losing that sense of belonging could be devastating. The relationships built on TikTok are deeply meaningful, even if adults don’t see the value.
And what about the creators building their brands and livelihoods via TikTok fame? Influencers with millions of followers stand to lose major income streams. Even teens making a little side money would feel the pain.
As an author and entrepreneur myself, I know how crushing and unfair it feels when opportunities are ripped away through no fault of your own. TikTok has empowered ordinary teenagers to take control of their futures. Shutting it down means shutting down countless dreams.
Let’s not forget the small businesses thriving off TikTok advertising and partnerships. And the fans who rely on TikTok to discover new music, comedy, art – things that bring joy and meaning to their days.
In my book The Teenage Guide to Success, I talk about how to use social media responsibly, not let it control you, and balance it with real world relationships. Banning TikTok completely goes against this advice by removing teens’ ability to make smart choices.
I don’t deny TikTok’s data collection poses legitimate privacy issues. But banning the platform completely seems like an impulsive, fear-based decision versus a measured solution. It reminds me of how schools reacted to social media when I was younger – blocking websites altogether instead of teaching students responsible usage.
Rather than bans, we need improved regulations and transparency around data use. There are compromises, like restricting access to certain user information, that could balance security with preserving an app that’s embedded in youth culture.
TikTok is far from perfect. But it’s brought together a generation in powerful ways older politicians don’t seem to grasp. As with most things, communication and setting boundaries is more effective than cutting off access completely.
Shutting down a platform used by over 100 million Americans should not be taken lightly. I hope lawmakers truly consider all perspectives – especially those of the young people most impacted – before making such a monumental decision. TikTok plays a far greater role in our lives than lawmakers realize. They need to work with us teens to find a solution, not shut us out.
Colton Fidelman is the teen author of the new book The Teenage Guide to Becoming Successful – The TICK TOCK Formula for Life, Relationships, and Careers.
