THE ECHO

by Ella Staton

On Jan 19, the Supreme court will decide the fate of TikTok. The court is expected to ban the popular social media app. What does this mean for its million users and the thousands of them at Avon High School?

“What will I use to entertain myself?” said freshman Melissa Boffo.

Sophomore Enoch Donkor had similar thoughts.

“I need TikTok to function properly,” he said.

75% of the 216 respondents to a Schoology survey said that they think TikTok should not be banned. A common viewpoint is that the app is a form of self-expression, work, and entertainment.

“TikTok shouldn’t be banned because it allows people to express creativity, share knowledge, connect globally, and support small businesses,” sophomore Mannat Saini said.

On the contrary, the remaining 25% of those surveyed said TikTok is bad for the teenage mind and that the ban will bring a little bit of peace to the country.

“TikTok is dangerous for teenage minds, usually promoting aggressive and uncomfortable behavior towards complete strangers (street interviews, videos of fights, and filming people without their permission for clicks), addictive substances / unhealthy coping techniques and how to use them without being caught,” freshman Izzy Jones said.

Many students use TikTok for everyday questions and activities. Such high schoolers will have to find a new way to inquire about different things.

“I use TikTok for entertainment, for SAT prep and where to find tutorials for things like hair,” said sophomore Temi Odumosu.

On the other hand, some students, such as sophomore Leena Love, are looking at the positive of the ban.

“I won’t be on my phone as much. Maybe it will make me more open and social because I can’t hide my face watching TikTok’s anymore,” she said.

Some students are still holding out hope that someone will be able to save the app in the 11th hour.

“I think the odds are 50/50,” sophomore Brayden Garman said, “because they have tried to ban it multiple times before so I wouldn’t be surprised if it somehow manages to stay.”