I’m undoubtedly one of the very few people who don’t use social media. I think it’s a waste of time and, in some cases, even dangerous because it diverts people’s attention from the things that really count, like their children, careers, families, friends, the environment and life in general. Having said that, I believe that many people could have benefited from the proposed TikTok ban, even though it might have gone too far as a government measure.
Think about this: With 900 million daily users, the average TikTok user spends about 28 hours a month on the app. According to the statistics I found online, many of the TikTok users I know acknowledge using the app far more frequently. Some even say they want to reduce or stop completely, but they just can’t seem to make it happen. TikTok is very good at what it does, and it should be given credit for that. Regardless of the social repercussions, the platform’s algorithms are expertly crafted to maximize screen time and keep users interested.
Social media’s contribution to widening societal gaps is, in my opinion, one of its most concerning effects. Social media is largely to blame for the extreme polarization and us-versus-them mentality that have gripped the country. When you are interacting with someone through a screen, it is much simpler to dehumanize them. If you enjoy a conservative video, the platform pushes you into an echo chamber and reinforces your views by showing you more of the same. On the opposite end of the political spectrum, the same thing occurs. Everyone becomes firmly established at one extreme as a result of this algorithmic reinforcement over time.
In order for people to rediscover life outside of their screens, I wish the TikTok ban had persisted, even if only temporarily. Imagine living in a society where people are forced to go outside, engage with one another in person, and cease using technology to replace real social interaction. Scrolling through a feed and forming genuine human connections are two very different things. Convenience may be provided by social media, but genuine communication, critical thinking, and ultimately our general well-being are all sacrificed in the process.
Jordan Poteat-Smith, Sandy
