The TikTok Ban: Censorship & Grief

Part One - Losing Access

Written & Published by: Rebecca Ruhnke

Dates Written: 1/15/25 - 1/24/25

My Shayla: My Beautiful Journey on TikTok

It's been a long time since then, I know. Yet, TikTok has played a crucial role in my life, and I'm not sure how I'd manage without it. Some might consider that a bit sad, and perhaps they're right, but once I explain, you might understand my perspective. 

I downloaded the app back when it was called musical.ly. I used to post lip-sync videos to my favorite songs with friends, which I now find a bit embarrassing, but let's face it, anything from your teenage years can make you cringe. 

When the app evolved into TikTok, with changes to its algorithm, layout, and name, I became more intrigued by the new content offering creativity, inspiration, and humor. 

For those who were on the app during its 2018 phase, you'll remember the duet feature was quite popular, enhancing the humor or creativity of the original creator. Although I wasn't actively posting then, I enjoyed opening the app occasionally for a good laugh. 

The 2019 phase of TikTok attracted more users, inviting them to participate in trends and create their own. VSCO (an editing app), scrunchies, shell necklaces, Hydro Flasks, and the phrase “and I oop–” were iconic during this time. Discussions and edits about Stranger Things Season 3 spread rapidly, bringing the fanbase closer and encouraging other fanbases to connect and engage. 

No ads, no TikTok shop, just people making memes, building communities, and creating memorable content. This continued into the following year, but as you might expect, things got a bit more serious on the app as the world seemed to be falling apart. 

The Rescuer: TikTok During the Pandemic 

During the 2020 lockdown, besides Zoom and text messaging, TikTok emerged as the primary means of communication across the nation. For younger generations like Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, the app was a crucial platform for learning and connecting. In times of societal unrest, it served as a beacon for communities to engage in conversation. 

One thing I particularly remember from the pandemic was the surge in creative projects, recipes, and DIYs being shared. These activities allowed people to engage in hands-on tasks away from their screens. As we were all compelled to shop, work, and attend classes online, staring at screens for extended periods could become overwhelming, and with that, the rise in mental health issues became a topic of discussion in itself. 

When distance and disease kept us apart, we united on this app, which outperformed all others. TikTok rapidly and effectively connected large groups of people to talk about our mental health issues, share laughter and creativity, and remind us that we are not alone. It became a platform for Americans and others in countries experiencing COVID lockdowns to discuss the exhausting and disappointing measures that led us to that point and, most importantly, to discuss current events and witness them firsthand. 

Education & News: From Tips & Tricks to Current Events

TikTok offered a wide array of educational content, covering subjects from science and math to even tutorials on folding a fitted sheet correctly. 

Without TikTok, many protests might not have occurred, and images of injustice that fueled these protests might not have been shared. This easy method of communication permitted people to stay informed about the news, leading many to recognize oppressive systems and critique those in power. 

For example, the Black Lives Matter movement had been active for years before the 2020 summer protests. However, the collective outrage and grief following the tragic and avoidable events involving George Floyd heightened awareness of systemic flaws among Americans and even internationally. 

Live streams and newly uploaded videos of the protests quickly reached audiences, enabling them to witness the true events, including who was involved in altercations and how. Most protests remained peaceful until police forces intervened, and live footage left no doubt that police brutality was occurring at demonstrations against such brutality. 

We observed as the 45th president of the United States endorsed the police's actions, instructing the military to "crack their skulls" and "beat the fuck out of them." Those in the Oval Office questioned his comments about shooting protesters, yet he continued, “Well, shoot them in the leg—or maybe the foot, but be hard on them!”

This level of violence had never been so extensively recorded and documented in our history, especially by such a diverse group of people. Consequently, Trump's response to the protests will remain, making it difficult for him to escape the violence he incited. 

TikTok became a news hub due to people's diverse perspectives within and outside the country. As users shared their views and experiences of oppression on TikTok, Americans engaged in critical thinking and maintained a broader perspective. News outlets also participated on TikTok, sparking discussions in comment sections; alternative stations presented events candidly, unlike some mainstream media. 

Moreover, as book banning became more common, TikTok became a platform for sharing and ordering these books. Users not only shared lists of banned books but also provided links to access them affordably, promoting education at a lower cost. 

As a writer, this platform offered a safe space for my writing and ideas, with an audience that supported and valued my work. TikTok’s algorithm helped me find communities I belong to and others who enjoy sharing experiences, ideas, and a sense of belonging. 

By maintaining a broad perspective and exercising free speech to express concerns and support on various issues, current events, and beliefs, Americans realized that We The People can effect change, especially when united. 

Expanding Communities: Finding a Sense of Belonging

TikTok offered numerous users the tools to learn about and engage more deeply with the communities we identify with, like the LGBTQ+ community. I truly believe that without TikTok, I wouldn’t have been aware of the specific anti-queer laws being proposed or enacted, nor the high rates of anti-trans hate crimes that have taken place. Most importantly, without TikTok, I wouldn’t have known the names of those affected or harmed and their stories. 

As a woman, TikTok opened up a space for women and feminine presenting people to discuss societal issues such as hook-up culture, the male loneliness epidemic, health care inequality, and the basis of misogyny. Influencers like Drew Afualo address the divisive thinking and misinformation about sexism, feminism, and women in general while poking fun at the ill-informed oppressors, making her audience laugh. Accounts like Roe V. Bros would test the knowledge of the average American voter, showing the reality of how little voters know about what they are voting for or against, specifically regarding female anatomy and autonomy. 

While plenty of content addresses oppression with humor and trauma bonding with their audiences, communities were also able to share the dark side of that oppression. Many victims of abuse would come forward or even share the abuse as it was happening, spreading awareness and getting the attention of legal forces. Some people would record videos warning other people in a particular community of any dangers, such as sex trafficking tactics or dangerous towns after dark. 

No matter the community, TikTok built a place for minorities to support and learn more about each other. Communities were able to connect, plan, and protest against their abusers and, in many cases, find each other when they were needed the most. No other app could or will be able to accumulate the type of community that TikTok harvested.

Charity & Mindfulness: Revealing the Humanity Among Users

Among all social media platforms, TikTok stood out for encouraging charity and kindness among its users. Unlike other apps, TikTok's unique algorithm enabled stories and experiences to be shared widely, prompting people from various places to contribute positively. Amid the devastating wildfires in California that had been destroying homes and valuable possessions, those affected had turned to the app to raise awareness and seek donations for recovery. 

Whether if someone's pet desperately needed a life-saving surgery that the owner couldn't afford, or if someone had a medical disability that grew harder to care for, or even if someone was seeking gender-affirming surgeries or care, all that one would need to do was upload a video asking for help and watch as wholesome individuals from all over the map donate monetary gifts. Sometimes, even just having the video pushed throughout the algorithm would allow them to make money through TikTok's Content Creator features by monetizing their videos.

As conflicts continue in Gaza and Ukraine, Americans were able to connect with victims and offer financial support and shelter after watching a single video. Additionally, the videos that are spread about the wars in Gaza and Ukraine give us a visual of their circumstances, showing the destruction of their homes and their wildlife.

As opposed to being a small snippet at the bottom of the news or a brief segment on large media outlets, TikTok posts, and live videos, impart the personal experiences and voices of the victims. Instead of writing a script to narrate the situation followed by heavily editing the footage, with TikTok, the news shared usually comes straight from the source.

Of course, there is something to be said about the necessity to acquire digital literacy skills, especially in this day and age with AI. However, I've personally noticed that most of the people who believe everything they see on the internet don't always have a desire to use TikTok.

To further discuss TikTok's increase in charity, with all that is happening across the world and within our country, it truly seems like a terrible time to ban an app that has surged in generosity and donations. So many people rely on this app as a last resort for financial support, whether through charity or business, this decision to cut people off from one of the largest charitable economic systems will cause and has caused devastating effects.

Influence on the Economy: Helping Small Businesses 

As briefly mentioned, TikTok became a significant economic asset, serving as one of the top revenue-generating apps for small businesses to achieve brand recognition and effectively market to their target audiences. Whether it was to sell clothes or trinkets, or to just prompt the opening of a restaurant, consumers were able to find these businesses, access their websites, find any public addresses to attend or shop in person, and save their information within the app by following, liking, or favoriting the businesses' accounts and content.

When the TikTok Shop was introduced to users, some of these businesses linked their items directly through TikTok Shop, allowing users to order items from the businesses directly through the social media app. While TikTok Shop might have disrupted some users' experience due to excessive marketing and ad saturation, which can be off-putting on any platform, this modification to the app undeniably reflects a very capitalist influence, which was bound to happen.

Taking away the most accessible tool that businesses from all over the country use and rely on will undoubtedly cause an economic crash. And with many political and government figures and administrations aiming to enhance the economy by making things more affordable and supporting small businesses, the simple act of removing TikTok will oppose those efforts, and further prove that those who voted to ban TikTok just might want the opposite.

Storytelling: An App that Promotes & Praises Creativity 

Storytelling is the main reason I got into writing and literature, and TikTok quickly became one of my favorite platforms for experiencing art. The app is filled with creative talent, shared stories, and engaging narratives, making it easy for others to inspire and motivate users.

Whether it was a well-edited cinematic short film, a series of skits featuring captivating characters and dramatic cliffhangers, or simply a video of someone reciting a poem, I never lacked fresh and artistic content. My algorithm would lead me to creators, big or small, who would captivate my eyes and satisfy my artistic cravings.

Creators like Julian Sewell, Nicholas Flannery, Ella Watkins, Drew Talbert, and Casey Dressler offer dramatic and comedic skits that suck you in as if you're watching a guilty pleasure soap opera. Other accounts, such as Puppy Songs, Nimbus (The Cat), Weratedogs, and Cala and Elizabeth, show our love for animals and our pets and will always find a way to warm my heart.

More creators I adore and take inspiration from include Jerseyyjoe, Rauxer, Quincy's Tavern, Josh Helgott, Mikey Angelo, Akana, Claybaby, Ceekayye, Ava Leeigh, Madeline Ford, Dylan Mulvaney, Doctor Waffle, BBNO$, and Kyle Gordon. Believe me, I could go on and on listing all the creators who have had such a major influence on my life, whether through song, smiles, dance, cosplay, and more.

While some of this witty and stimulating content can be found on other platforms, the way TikTok’s algorithm introduces you to these unique art forms is unmatched.

Digital Photo Album: Grieving the Loss of Memories 

One thing I will truly miss about TikTok, besides the laughter shared with others, is the memories I captured through my posts. My friends, family and I often participated in various trends or made our own videos, which allowed us to express our creativity and bring joy to ourselves. 

For many people, TikTok served as a photo album or a collection of home videos. Because of this, I’ve been likening the ban to losing all the photos and videos from your camera roll, except they include comments and likes that enhance the content. 

Previously, there were a few instances when my pictures and videos were wiped from my hardware; all the photos and videos from my elementary, middle, and early high school years were corrupted and erased, resulting in the loss of those visual memories forever. In a way, I was experiencing the same level of grief for TikTok as I did when I lost all those pictures and videos, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

The Achilles Heel

I had been watching numerous videos saying goodbye to TikTok and appreciating those who made it special, and naturally, the sentiment resonated with me. But the final straw was a video of the dabloons cat, thrilled to see us, reflecting on our journey together, and then offering a dabloon before bidding farewell. It might sound silly, but I was in tears over this simple slideshow of a cat. 

During its heyday, the dabloons cat played a significant role in my life. This simple cat meme brought warmth and positivity to viewers by saying things like, “Hello, Traveler! Here are 5 dabloons for just being here today!” It was a small thing that would make me smile; a cute cat with a unique way of spreading happiness and laughter.

Seeing this farewell slideshow solidified the banning of the app; the end of this type of content and the community I share it with, and there is not much I can do but reminisce. I've seen countless videos compiling TikTok's best moments, bitter-sweet edits, and people expressing their grief and love for the app.

For some, TikTok was just a silly, little app where people would dance and post memes, whereas, for others, it was a mentor, an educator, a friend, a spark of joy, a laugh, an innovator, a space to grieve and rant, a safe space to protest, a connector, a community, or even a reason to keep going.

I found that all of those were true to my experience, and as I cry over the dabloons cat, my heart smiles at my vulnerability and the impression others made on me.

Heart-to-Heart: In Touch with Others & Our Emotions

Using the app firsthand allows me to connect with my emotions and stay informed about global events. I laugh at funny videos, enjoy seeing people's pets, and feel moved by those who share their struggles and sorrow. I discover new recipes and practical tips that I now incorporate into my daily routine, and I consider various political, psychological, social, and philosophical viewpoints. 

As I prepared to say goodbye to this way of connecting and being, I was reminded that this is just the beginning of something greater. We have learned and grown together on this app and as the ban approached, I knew we would find a new way to stay in touch with ourselves, the world, and each other.

To quote one of my favorite lines from Marvel Studio's WandaVision, "What is grief if not love persevering."