The Pew Research Center reports indicate a noticeable decline in support for a potential TikTok ban in the US, with half of adults, myself included, expressing skepticism about its likelihood. Given the medium’s rise in popularity, the prospect of a ban seems to be one of the less pressing issues on the political agenda.
Why is that?
The survey that Pew Research conducted shows a change from 50% in support of a US TikTok ban in March 2023 down to 38% in the fall of 2023. The number declined further to 32% in August 2024. However, the views of the TikTok ban are divided by political party, where 42% of Republicans and those who lean independent and 24% of Democrats support the ban.
On the other hand, 34% of Democrats and 24% of Republicans opposed the TikTok ban as of August, compared to 41% of Democrats and 34% of Republicans who were not sure if the TikTok ban would happen. The ban appears more as a strategic move designed to engage millennials and Gen Zers in the electoral process rather than a genuine concern for national security.
Oh! How so?
Pew Research Center’s May 2023 survey presents the video-based social media platform as a national security threat more to Republicans rather than Democrats.
The take on a ban is clarified when comparing those who use TikTok and those who don’t. 61% of TikTok users oppose the ban in comparison to the 10% who support it. Those who don’t use TikTok are more likely to support a ban, with 42% being in support, 43% uncertain, and 15% opposed to the TikTok ban.
Either way, 29% of TikTok users, including myself, are unsure whether this percentage illustrates the in-betweener party has no greater interest in cooperating to oppose or support the TikTok ban.
This tactic, while clever, feels like an insidious way to generate a public opinion towards a group that uses the platform. It feels less concerned about deciding whether TikTok should be banned or not.
The debate of a TikTok ban is being used by both parties causing a manipulation of young people’s interest in politics to choose a side, drawing them into the political vortex of what often resembles a twisted version of Emerald City in the Land of Oz, filled with smoke and mirrors rather than clear truths. It’s a fascinating yet troubling development from both parties in how we view our democracy, our politicians, and our role within it.
If a US TikTok ban happened? Then, “Oh well!”, it’s not the end of the world. One less social media outlet to worry about. The ban itself would only be illegal in a handful out of the 50 in the United States.
When we grapple with the complexities of digital platforms versus national security, we must consider not only the implications of a TikTok ban but also how these discussions reflect on our society and democracy as a whole.
