As an avid user and former TikTok creator, I find the news of the app potentially being banned in a country where free speech has been under attack for quite some time disheartening.
TikTok isn’t just another social media platform; it’s a place where people share truth, express creativity, learn from top world experts, and connect with others—all in a real and genuine way. But why is it being banned? Beyond the vague explanations of “selling our information to China,” most people don’t even understand what that means — perhaps not even the Chinese themselves.
During a recent U.S. Congressional hearing, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, testified that American user data is currently stored in the United States due to previously raised concerns. He also stated that the company is making tremendous efforts to ensure the platform complies with all safety measures.
Despite all efforts to assure and prove to the U.S. government that the app is safe to use, it seems like the ban is inevitable.
Here is the list of main concerns behind the proposed ban:
- National Security Risks: Allegedly, TikTok collects Americans’ personal information and shares it with China.
- Data Collection Practices: The app gathers vast amounts of data, raising privacy concerns.
- Censorship: Critics argue that TikTok censors certain content based on political motivations.
- Mental Health Impact: TikTok’s addictive nature and algorithm have been linked to negative effects on young users’ mental health.
While politicians and billionaires argue over the “right” course of action, I want to highlight the positive impact TikTok has had on millions, if not billions, of lives over the years:
Revival Among Christian Gen Z
TikTok has become a powerful platform for spreading the Gospel among Generation Z. Many Christian influencers have gone viral, growing their audiences and moving to platforms like YouTube to create longer Christian content.
Countless stories have emerged of people who had never heard of Jesus or had left their faith but rediscovered it through TikTok. It has also fostered interfaith conversations, with Muslims and Jews engaging in debates and discussions about Christianity.
Additionally, creators repurpose YouTube content, sharing powerful testimonies of people’s encounters with Christ. Accounts dedicated to biblical inspiration showcase everything from AI-generated visuals of Ancient Jerusalem to animated interpretations of seraphim and fallen angels. People host online live Bible studies, debates, prayer nights, worship sessions, and prophetic gatherings have flourished on the platform.
Regardless of some people’s theological objections to the content or the influencers creating it, the message of Jesus is being shared. Seeds are being planted, and the Lord is multiplying the fruit.
A Conservative Shift
TikTok also played a critical role in the 2024 presidential election. The platform amplified conservative voices, making it easier for young people to access content that resonated with them. Short-form videos broke down complex subjects into digestible formats, helping more young men in America embrace conservative values. TikTok was instrumental in rallying a significant portion of the youth vote for President Trump.
The War in Gaza
TikTok has given a voice to marginalized groups and provided direct access to on-the-ground content during crises. It became a crucial tool for documenting the genocide in Gaza, amplifying Palestinian voices, and providing Americans with unfiltered perspectives. People saw the truth.
For the first time, many Americans learned the truth about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through TikTok. The platform helped pro-Palestinian influencers raise millions of dollars for displaced families and communities. Heartbreakingly, some influencers from Gaza who shared their daily survival stories were later confirmed to have been killed, leaving their content as a haunting legacy that continues to touch millions.
Economic Opportunities for Creators
TikTok is not just about entertainment; it’s a money-making platform. Creators can earn income through the Creator Fund, brand collaborations, and TikTok shops. Many entrepreneurs use TikTok as a marketing tool to grow their businesses. It’s a space where creativity thrives, offering advice on everything from finance to mental health and celebrity gossip. TikTok allows people to be authentic, build communities, and find like-minded individuals.
Creators are able to earn a full-time income, allowing them to leave toxic and abusive work environments. Individuals facing financial difficulties, unemployment, or personal crises can reach out and find support.
There are countless stories of people whose lives have been transformed through TikTok.
TikTok is a space where people discover that the unique quirks, habits, and thoughts they once believed were exclusive to them are actually shared by millions of others. Many users comment on this realization, often saying, “I’ve never had an original thought,” which can be a humbling experience. It serves as a reminder that we all go through similar experiences, and that shared connection brings us closer together.
Back in 2020, when the world was falling apart, so were the lives of millions of people — mine included. TikTok became an escape and a source of encouragement. During one of the darkest periods of my life when when my father was undergoing a cancer treatment, TikTok saved me.
Encouraged by the Holy Spirit, I recorded and shared my testimony of how I came to know Christ. The video gained traction, reaching Muslim audiences and allowing me to share the Gospel on a larger scale. In the midst of hardship, creating content gave me purpose and kept me going. Although, my account was permanently banned I’m grateful that I was able to share the Gospel with the Muslim community that I love.
Regardless of TikTok’s fate, its cultural impact will endure. It has shown us the power of authenticity, innovation, and community. While the platform is not perfect — with issues like censorship and its contribution to decreasing attention spans — it remains one of the best social media platforms out there.
If TikTok is banned, human creativity will find a way to thrive elsewhere. After all, that’s what we’ve always done. We adapt, innovate, and create.
Fariza 