Debate - Should Tik Tok Be Banned?
First published: Thursday April 24th, 2025
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Claim - Tik Tok should be banned for National Security Issues and being too adictive
Whilst no hard evidence that TikTok has National Security Issues, "ByteDance has ties with China" (National Security and the TikTok Ban - American University)
. While you may just pass that information on as TikTok hate, there is evidence that the Chinese government does not care about American National Security (mainly because China does not truly like the US). The US should not use Chinese owned social media platforms because of Insecurities caused by the country of China.
TikTok is way too addictive due to the endless scroll feature. Without knowing what is next, people who use the app has the urge to scroll on. This is not good for your eyes and brain. Scientists have found that too much exposure to screens can cause a weird sleeping pattern which will leave the person usually cranky in the morning. The addictiveness of TikTok can cause people to watch it while driving, which is just as, or even more dangerous than texting (due to texting having voice to text features). And while yes they have came out with a new setting which limits the amount of time and sets bed time, it is only helpful if you set it up in the settings and actually care. It is recommended by scientists to turn off screens about 2 hours before you go to bed. But people who are addicted to TikTok usually won't turn the screen off and stay on it for hours which is not good for your mental health.
Counter-Claim (This is short)
While yes, TikTok may be addictive, it can be helpful to small businesses (Gosh I hate those ads) to boost their sales (BTW you could get the same thing with YouTube). Many people on TikTok try to spread good ideas or helpful things. TikTok has found a place in a lot of American hearts and getting rid of TikTok will upset many.
Conclusion
TikTok is overall not a good app to use. Seeing over the Insecurity claims, the addictiveness of TikTok is harmful to humans health. And while there are no definitive, comprehensive numbers of car crashes due to TikTok addictiveness, there are those stupid TikTok challenges like the Kia challenge, that school bathroom challenge, and many more. While some apps, like YouTube, can still have videos on those dumb challenges, There are way more on TikTok.
I don't think TikTok is any worse than any other to be honest.
So yeah, I'm not a fan of it.