by YoMamaRice
As of last night, January 18, 2025, TikTok has been banned in the United States. This decision marks a troubling shift toward government overreach, signaling an effort by the state to control the voice of the masses. It’s a win for the oligarchic forces that continue to tighten their grip on the American public, just as civil unrest looms on the horizon.
TikTok boasts 170 million users in the U.S., many of whom use the platform to amplify voices that are often overlooked by mainstream media. Besides the dancing and cat videos, it has become a vital space for the exchange of breaking news and real-time updates. Personally, I find myself learning about important events on TikTok before they even hit traditional news outlets, and I've grown accustomed to getting most of my news directly from first sources on the platform.
Beyond news, TikTok has empowered over 7 million small businesses through its shop feature, giving entrepreneurs access to marketing via algorhytms that they would otherwise be unable to afford. Unlike Google and Facebook, which require hefty advertising budgets to reach a significant audience, TikTok allows organic growth and visibility. It’s a lifeline for creators and businesses looking to connect with consumers without the need for massive financial backing.
TikTok isn’t just a place for information and business—it’s also a space for joy and entertainment. Following influencers and creators has fostered a sense of community, allowing people to form connections with others, even if only virtually. For many, it’s like having a group of friends, all from the comfort of a smartphone screen.
The platform has also sparked countless culturally significant moments, with viral phrases like “Very Demure, Very Mindful,” “Bombastic Side Eye,” “If Not Friend, Why Friend Shaped?” and “In the Clurb, We All Fam.” These phrases have become part of the lexicon, shaping how we communicate and express ourselves in a digital age.
In light of the ban, many TikTok users have migrated to a Chinese app called Red Note. For many, TikTok felt like the only platform that allowed for authentic connection, and now, with its ban, there seems to be no true alternative in the U.S. Instagram is corporate, Facebook is just a reinforcement of your own bubble, with family and friends posting vacation photos. X (formerly Twitter) has devolved into a cesspool of uncensored fighting and misinformation.
Red Note has broadened the horizons of many American TikTokers, offering a window into life outside the insular world of the United States. It has connected us with an international community full of exploration, diverse perspectives, and plenty of humor. This ban has given the average Americans an opportunity to see the world through a wider lens which is probably not what the oligarchy intended. Their need for control has backfired.
In light of the ban, I’ve decided to commemorate the cultural impact TikTok has had on my life by creating a line of t-shirts featuring some of the platform’s most beloved phrases. This is my small way of honoring a platform that has brought so much joy, creativity, and community into my life. You can find them on my newly launched shop page on my website.
As many of us know, American capitalism often fails to adequately support U.S. athletes, so all proceeds will go toward helping my son pursue his Olympic dream and represent the USA.
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