Before discussing why it shouldn’t be banned, it is important to clarify what Tiktok basically is and what purpose people are using it for. Tiktok is basically a social platform where account holders make and upload their videos, whether entertaining or informational. The videos’ duration may last as long as 15 minutes or as short as 1 minute, which means that this platform creates short videos. Not only this, but Tiktok also enables these videos to be edited like they can be sped up, slowed down, and some music can also be added in the background. This app has gained so much popularity because it allows users to make a duet, i.e., add their own shot video to an existing video. Lip synced songs. The app also allows users to make money as Youtube does by having more likes or views or many followers. This is actually the core motivation for Tiktokers to make such videos that can attract the masses and increase their video views because money is still the most attractive thing in the world.
Now, after we’ve discussed the app, next comes the need to know why someone wants to ban TikTok when it's only to create and post videos? So the answer lies that every social platform has its own goods and bads because the platform, not itself, is good or bad; rather, the people using it make it so by their own filth. The app has been known for having content that is considered obscene, vulgar, immoral, or encouraging of pornography. As I’ve told before, the app makes money for its users by attracting viewers' attention, so to gain their focus, tiktokers make innovative videos. As it is said that evil is more powerful than good or bad is stronger than good, this thing applies here as well that making inappropriate content gathers more viewer’s attention than a neat and clean one. Someone might ask why it is so; the answer to this query is that we as humans want to know to see something extraordinary.
, Why? Because the most strong point in any social platform is gaining popularity, may it be by good means or bad ones. Something other than normal. It is not that we always like that, as in most cases viewers condemn the content and its maker and voice up against them but unknowingly, they themselves are the reason behind that content. So by pointing out those and making the public know what they’ve done, we are actually making them popular, and those who haven’t seen their content, for which they are at target, are made to see what’s wrong with that content. So tiktokers actually take advantage of this weak point of human nature and post such things, which can ultimately result in more views. And the story does not end up here; those content makers then reach to that hype that whenever they post anything, all our pious viewers to raise their voice against the wrong make a visit to the videos, increase its viewership, add some negative comments and fulfill their responsibility of being a nice, God-fearing person.
Now I would like to question that when things like this happen, who would post inappropriate content when it turns out to be appropriate to them. No one, because such people have only one motive, i.e., fame and money, and they are receiving both. This is not the way to stop such people. If we are perfect enough, as we claim, we should adopt a path that would lead to the extinction of such content rather than encouraging others to make such to gain viewership.
After reading what I have said, one might think whether I am supporting the idea of banning the app or denying it or if they have read the topic wrong? So no need to be confused as I am only stating the facts and letting you decide whether you agree with the idea of not banning Tiktok or not. After stating the problem, now deciding its solution, a simple solution is to report such accounts. Many would say this may not create a difference as content creators may create another account and continue their activities. But this does have an effect. This is because once the account is blocked and a new account is created, it takes time and an equal effort to follow again. So we should never think that a single click can do to such people as a small act often creates a big difference.
Tiktok has in its policy to report an account if found posting ill-suited content or violating any moral boundaries. It now becomes our responsibility to take advantage of this policy and make trouble makers have the taste of their own medicine.
Moreover, TikTok's data-gathering policy, which many people contradict because of privacy violations, is a source by which law such ill-minded people can be punished. This information allows police and the regulatory authority people to take action against them.
Another issue is that children are also using it who do not have such maturity level that it cannot distinguish right from wrong. It has been observed that 41% of the users of this app are between the ages of 16 and 24. To become famous and earn money, children spend countless times on Tiktok and are reported to lose grades. This then becomes the duty of parents or guardians to have a check on their children. Moreover, the app allows such options which allow parents to control what their children can watch. And about the number of times children spend on this app, it is easy to overcome this issue; the app also provides you with a family safety mode, which allows you to adjust the screen management option.
When there is an easy solution to ban an app, one might ask why we go through all the long procedures to enable safe use of the app? I would say in answer to this question that banning anything is not the solution to the problem. Banning indirectly means encouraging a rebellious action in return. It is human nature that it takes challenges more often and responds to negative. When the platform becomes banned, people make out their ways of another platform. Due to rapid progress in science and technology, this is just as easy as making another social platform. Bans don't solve any behavioral problems. We need to develop new strategies to deal with various social evils. Bans may serve as an immediate solution but not the permanent one. A ban means simply ignoring the causes and effects of human nature. Moreover, one should note that this platform is meant to give people voices,
allow them to express themselves and showcase their talent. We cannot set the benefits aside while looking for a solution. We also need to consider what consequences a ban would have on those who are not misusing it or who are using it for productive purposes. If we banned this app, it would deprive many of their bread and butter. It has come to notice that many people who did not have access to come forward and give auditions on TV as actors or singers have been acknowledged by this platform and platforms alike. So by banning this, we are actually taking away their opportunity, their chance to become a star.
Moreover, these also serve useful for public awareness. I would like to state an example that when corona was new to people, some believed that it existed. At the same time, masses thought that it is just a rumor and nothing else; in those days, these tiktokers were the ones who were appointed by the Governor of Punjab to spread covid awareness. Pakistan’s famous TikTok stars were invited to the Governor House in Punjab. The meetup was organized by the governor team to create awareness about the virus among the general public. So we cannot overlook their importance in our society, and of course, this adds to the significance of the app. Likewise, tiktokers also raise voice against social crimes like rape, violence, child labour, and many others.
So what actually is the solution? The only way is to have a regulatory authority especially meant for this purpose, to check what content is being uploaded. If any immoral or controversial content is up, then take strong action against the doer. Punishing only the criminal is the solution rather than punishing everyone. Punishing the criminal actually sets an example for others and restricts them from taking a similar step that can take them to that position.
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