Karimi Argument Map by Shuhan Zhao

Lawmakers are trying to ban TikTok. That won’t be easy – it’s part of our culture now

sz742 — 2024-03-21 21:19:43 UTC

Politicians have argued that TikTok violates the privacy of Americans and considers it "digital fentanyl." However, avid Tik Tok fans believe they have a lot to lose if they lose TikTok.

Support TikTok

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sz742 — 2024-03-21 22:20:49 UTC

Khamyra Sykes, 16, uses the platform to make money by working with clothing brands and doing political advertising.

sz742 — 2024-03-21 22:23:31 UTC

Attorney Saman Movassaghi Gonzalez uses TikTok to market her legal practice to her 83,000 followers.

Against TikTok: Experts say TikTok can be addictive.

sz742 — 2024-03-21 22:26:14 UTC

Saif Shahin, assistant professor of digital culture at Tilburg University in the Netherlands.

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Christina Ferraz, founder of the public relations agency Thirty6five.

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“If TikTok were to go away, it would remove one of the free sources of joy, connection, and entertainment still available to anyone, anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection,” Ferraz adds. “However, it would also remove access to a platform known to create space for bullying and illicit activities for Gen Z.”

sz742 — 2024-03-21 22:39:21 UTC

“While most social media apps tend to be addictive, none is more so than TikTok,” Shahin says. “Every day, users spend an average of an hour and a half on TikTok, which is nearly double the average time spent on Facebook or Instagram.”

Users say the platform allows them to express themselves.

sz742 — 2024-03-21 22:40:59 UTC

Many entrepreneurs use TikTok to boost their businesses.

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Taccara and Yinka Lawanson, a couple known as Ling and Lamb on TikTok, share their clipboard musings on everyday life.

sz742 — 2024-03-21 22:48:44 UTC

Phillip Calvert, a Milwaukee resident who goes by the name PhilWaukee on TikTok, downloaded the app in 2018 while living in Shanghai, China. He earns income by Posting travel videos and other content on TikTok.