And yes, we're just as confused as you are
(Photo by visuals on Unsplash)
The mobile platform TikTok, which consumed its users with its freakily accurate algorithms and authentically chaotic energies, just might be resting on its death bed. But it also might get saved! If we’re being completely honest, we’re still pretty unsure of what’s going on.
President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday that he planned on banning the app as soon as Saturday by either using emergency powers or an executive order due to alleged security risks that China might steal American data from the app.
“I have that authority,” he said while returning home from Florida. (Of course, it was after Florida.) "It’s going to be signed.”
Naturally, this drove everyone into a frenzy. I mean what are we going to do when we can't scroll through TikTok at 3 a.m.?
On Saturday morning, however, we gained an ounce of hope for the app's survival. ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, said it would offer a deal to relinquish control to allow an American company to take over the app in the United States. According to the New York Times, Microsoft is rumored to potentially purchase the app.
Later that same morning, TikTok released a video message from U.S. General Manager Vanessa Papppas.
“We’re not planning on going anywhere,” she said. “TikTok is a home for creators and artists to express themselves, their ideas and connect with people across different backgrounds. And we are so proud of all the various communities that call TikTok their home.”
And all this news is comforting! But we're still freaking out because Trump can still very well ban TikTok.
Not only is the app an escape for millions during the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s also a platform for thousands of creators to build an audience and garner a voice.
Early Saturday morning, user @aaaron_hey_aaron, a creator with 5 million followers known for his sassy mirror talks, posted a video thanking his followers. He said the app allowed him to create content and build his confidence.
“You guys gave me a platform. I wouldn’t be here without any of you,” he said.
Meanwhile, numerous other creators have been avidly encouraging followers to follow them on other social media platforms. (Followers equal dollar signs nowadays, after all.) They've been pleading ever since TikTok's glitch on July 9 when the possibility of a ban feel all the more real.
Other TikTokers are using the potential ban as an opportunity to rile Gen Z up further to vote Trump out of office during the presidential election. (The guy can decide to ban a beloved app a lot faster than the KKK.)
If TikTok does get banned, user @notlei said, “Do not look for me… All that I ask, is that you bully the president in my honor.”
And Gen Z has completely proved to be capable of this in the past. I mean, who can forget the embarrassing turnout of Trump’s Tulsa rally in June thanks to the scheming of TikTokers and K-Pop Stans. Forever iconic.
The future of TikTok's life remains to be up in the air. So, if you ask me, I'd say enjoy those Debby Ryan memes while you still can.
Lauren Rousseau is the Online Editor at Rowdy Magazine. She loves watching drug-store versions of The Bachelor and baking cookies at inappropriate hours. You can find her on Instagram at @laurenxrousseau and email her pitches at rowdymagazine.submissions@gmail.com