In recent months, the debate over the Chinese-owned, short-form video-sharing app TikTok has intensified, with lawmakers citing national security concerns and users, many of whom are college students, raising issues of free speech and digital expression in return.
The federal government and several states have either enacted or proposed bans on TikTok, arguing that its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, poses a security threat due to potential data-sharing with the Chinese government. Numerous political leaders voiced their support of TikTok’s removal from U.S. networks, including Seth Moulton (D-MA-6), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11), Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21, and both President Biden and President Trump.
With nearly 170 million American users, many of them young adults, the proposed restrictions on the app have sparked discussions about both its reasoning and its potential impact.
The initial federal ban was short lived – lasting for roughly 14 hours overnight from January 18th to 19th. Users reopened the app to a message that read “Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S!” The app’s swift return has only intensified debates, with some arguing that it proves the platform’s resilience against government actions, while others see it as a sign of ongoing regulatory battles.
For college students, the TikTok ban represents more than just the removal of an entertainment platform; it is a direct reflection of the growing tensions between national security, free speech, and digital privacy. Many young users see the crackdown as a political maneuver rather than a legitimate security concern, arguing that similar concerns exist for other tech companies but are not met with the same scrutiny.
Brigh Cote ‘25, an avid Tik Tok user, stated she doesn’t “see the reason for it being banned,” saying she understands “there are maybe security issues but [she] think[s] it’s more of a control issue.”
Some students have intentionally distanced themselves from the platform, following its reinstatement. Mariposa Ribon ‘27, who once enjoyed the app’s expressive freedom, said “I have chosen to refuse TikTok after the ban because I do not support Trump.”
“When Trump ‘brought back TikTok’ it was an agreement with the CEO of TikTok and Trump which I refuse to get behind,” explained Ribon. “Trump was one of the first people to propose the TikTok ban and it is my belief that when he decided to ‘save’ it, it was a plan to promote himself as a hero to get others on his side.”
Concern for the precedent this ban sets extends beyond college students, to a broader user base that views the ban as an overreach of government authority. Similar sentiments have been widely shared across social media and, in many cases, the debate has extended beyond policy and into political allegiances.
Supporters of the app point to TikTok as a valuable educational tool, with professors and students sharing study tips, exam strategies, and insights into various academic fields. Many college students use the platform to engage with social movements, share resources, and stay informed on issues affecting their communities.
Students who rely on TikTok for academic and professional purposes also fear losing a major networking tool. Aspiring content creators, digital marketers, and student journalists use the platform to build their brands, reach audiences, and explore career opportunities.
As a result, there are worries that losing access to TikTok could diminish the sense of community and support that has flourished in academic settings. Study groups, collaborative learning, and interactive content would need to find a new home – if not be entirely replaced.
If the TikTok ban does become reality, students must look to other platforms to fill the void. Apps like Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat could see a surge in traffic, but currently none offer a blend of entertainment, education, and social networking as effectively as TikTok.
As debate over the ban continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the potential impact on college students is profound. Whether it’s shaping social connections, fostering activism, supporting academic growth, or providing a creative platform, TikTok has woven itself into the fabric of student life in ways that can’t easily be undone.
With the temporary pause on the ban, many are left wondering about the future of TikTok. Some remain hopeful that it will continue to be accessible, while others have moved beyond supporting the platform altogether.
