TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps among people of all ages. While the app provides a platform for creative expression and connecting with others, it also has many negative aspects that shouldn’t be ignored. 

“With TikTok becoming more prominent in our society, it has created an immense influence on many, allowing people to ignore the invasive terms and conditions,” Michelle John ’25 said.

TikTok has been criticized for its potential to spread misinformation and harmful content. Unlike traditional news outlets, TikTok doesn’t have strict guidelines and regulations for news, which can lead to false and misleading information being easily spread on the app. This can have serious results, especially when it comes to topics such as health and politics. 

“Normally I just take what people say at face value and don’t fact check it,” Natalie Burrell ’24 said when asked about misinformation on TikTok.

Furthermore, TikTok’s algorithm is designed to keep users engaged by showing them content that is personalized to their interests. This can lead to users spending hours scrolling through the app without even realizing it, which can have negative impacts on mental health and grades.

Despite the measures put in place by TikTok to protect minors, there have been many instances of children and teenagers being exposed to inappropriate content on the app. This is a major concern for many parents and users with no current solution.