Following the short-lived ban of the TikTok app on Jan. 19, many daily users were upset about the potentially permanent end of TikTok in America. (To learn more about the ban, click here.)
When the ban was upheld on Jan. 19, TikTok was shut down in the United States for 12 hours. However, President Donald Trump, who took office that same day, moved to save TikTok with an executive order, pushing back the ban by 75 days to April 5.
Although many TikTok users saw the ban as a hindrance and were happy to see the app back, others were upset that TikTok was not banned. According to Madison Midges from American University, “The national security concerns surrounding TikTok stem primarily from its ties to China through its parent company, ByteDance. US lawmakers worry that the Chinese government could pressure ByteDance to hand over American user data or manipulate the platform’s algorithm to spread propaganda or disinformation.”
In addition, some argue that TikTok has an overall negative influence on users, from encouraging children in schools to participate in harmful trends and challenges that disrupt the learning environment to promoting addiction and decreased attention spans. TikTok has been criticized for encouraging several negative behaviors and issues that impact society overall, especially the younger generations.
Unrealistic Beauty Standards and Body Image Issues
TikTok uses a strict algorithm to target certain age groups and present specific videos. The platform often features videos of attractive influencers and edited content, which promote unrealistic beauty standards that may make young people feel insecure. In an interview with the University of Stirling’s Brig News, several TikTok users, including content creator Himani Jadeja, concluded that TikTok creates damaging beauty standards as users are pushed to achieve unattainable levels of perfection in their appearances.
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
As TikTok is a platform where users share content freely, some videos go viral purely because of their bullying content. Although TikTok claims to have a system in place to manage cyberbullying, many users still face criticism from fellow users. A 2022 article by UNICEF presents teens with information on what constitutes cyberbullying, as well as what to do if you feel that you are being bullied online. The Brig News article noted above also provides insight into how TikTok users should be mindful when participating in trends that harm others, and instead, focus on spreading positivity and love when using TikToik.
Mental Health Issues
Studies show that nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population has become addicted to TikTok, and further research suggests that this addiction causes anxiety and depression. SunCloud Health, a behavioral health treatment provider in Chicago that treats behavioral health issues including technology addiction, noted that in some cases, TikTok’s algorithm displays multiple negative videos in a single session, which may encourage depression and worsen a user’s mental state—especially for those in vulnerable conditions.
Misinformation and Fake News
While useful information is often spread on TikTok, some users knowingly share false information, causing panic or confusion and creating recurring situations where misleading content is circulated. This misinformation is so detrimental that according to researchers at the Australian Institute for International Affairs, at least 34 countries have banned TikTok. As they noted in an analysis in August of 2024, “In Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s war on Gaza, TikTok allowed propaganda narratives to circulate, creating a polarization between the far left and pro-Palestine youth and other voices.”
If you feel like TikTok is negatively affecting your mental health, or if you are looking for more information in the dangers of TikTok and how it can promote addition, see this article by Amnesty International.
