You open TikTok for a quick break, planning to scroll for just five minutes. Suddenly, an hour has flown by, and you’ve laughed, learned something new, and maybe even added a trending sound to your favorites. For Millennials and Gen Z, TikTok isn’t just an app—it’s where we connect, express ourselves, and escape for a moment.
But now, TikTok's future in the U.S. is uncertain, with a potential ban looming as early as January 20, 2025. Lawmakers are raising concerns about the app’s parent company, ByteDance, and whether user data could be accessed by foreign governments. They’ve given ByteDance a choice: sell the app to a U.S. company or face being shut down.
As the deadline approaches, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions—sadness, anxiety, even disbelief. For many, TikTok represents more than just entertainment; it’s filled with memories of comfort during the pandemic, when the world felt especially isolating. Let’s dive into why TikTok has been so impactful, how to handle the uncertainty, and what to do if it really does go away.
Why TikTok Feels Like Home
1. A Pandemic Lifeline:
During the isolation of the pandemic, TikTok became a lifeline for connection. From dance challenges to heartfelt videos about shared struggles, it reminded us that we were never truly alone. For many, it holds memories of a time when comfort was hard to come by, but TikTok provided a sense of community and shared experience.
2. A Platform for Creativity and Expression:
For many, TikTok has been a stage to express creativity through comedy, art, and music. It’s a space where everyday people turned viral sensations showed us the power of authenticity.
3. Learning on the Go:
Whether it’s learning how to cook, understanding mental health tips, or hearing about global events, TikTok transformed education into something fun and accessible.
4. A Source of Livelihood:
Let’s not forget that for some, TikTok is their livelihood. Creators have built entire careers and communities around their content. The uncertainty of losing that platform is especially daunting for them.
5. Connection Over Distance:
TikTok bridged gaps when physical connection wasn’t possible. It brought together people from different walks of life and created niche communities that might never have met otherwise.
The Flip Side: Doomscrolling and Overuse
It’s no secret that TikTok’s endless scroll can sometimes feel like a trap. The app’s algorithm is designed to keep you engaged, and for some, that engagement can turn into overuse or even addiction. Many people find themselves glued to their screens for hours, consuming content that ranges from uplifting to overwhelming—and sometimes, they can’t stop, even when they want to.
Overuse can lead to feelings of guilt, procrastination, or even isolation, as time spent on TikTok replaces other activities like socializing, working on personal goals, or resting. If TikTok disappears, some might feel a strange relief—like finally stepping off a treadmill that never stops.
If you find yourself struggling with compulsive scrolling, here are a few steps that might help:
Set Time Limits: Use app features or your phone’s settings to limit your daily TikTok usage. A reminder to step away can be a helpful nudge.
Create a “TikTok-Free” Zone: Designate times or places (like during meals or before bed) where you won’t use TikTok or other apps.
Replace the Habit: Swap scrolling with another activity, like journaling, reading, or trying out a hobby. This can help redirect your attention.
Reach Out for Support: If you feel like overuse is negatively affecting your life, it’s okay to seek help. A therapist can guide you through understanding why it’s hard to stop and help you develop healthier habits.
TikTok has brought joy and connection to so many people, but it’s important to remember that balance matters. If you’ve struggled with overuse, consider how you can regain that balance—whether TikTok stays or goes.
The Emotional Impact of TikTok’s Uncertainty
The idea of TikTok disappearing can stir a mix of emotions:
Sadness: The loss of a space that brought joy and connection.
Nostalgia: Remembering all the moments of comfort, laughs, and learning during uncertain times.
Anxiety: Wondering where to find similar outlets or communities.
Uncertainty: What will replace it?
Denial: Hoping that this is just another rumor that won’t come true.
Real-Life Stories from TikTok Users
Jasmine, 23:
Jasmine, living in a small town with limited opportunities to meet like-minded people, found her creative outlet on TikTok. She spent hours learning advanced makeup techniques, gaining confidence to post her own tutorials, and connecting with others who shared her passion. Now, she worries about losing that community if TikTok disappears but plans to explore makeup-focused Facebook groups and local workshops to keep those connections alive.
Leo, 27:
As a comedian, TikTok gave Leo an audience he couldn’t find on traditional platforms. His quick, relatable sketches resonated with people worldwide, helping him gain followers who supported his work. The thought of losing TikTok is daunting, but Leo is already experimenting with YouTube Shorts to maintain his presence and continue sharing his humor with a wider audience.
Maya, 21:
During the pandemic, Maya felt isolated and cut off from her friends. TikTok became her escape—a place where she could laugh, cry, and feel understood. Now that the world is opening up, she’s using this as a push to prioritize in-person connections. She’s joining local groups and spending more time with friends to recreate the sense of community TikTok brought her.
If TikTok Disappears, What’s Next?
If TikTok disappears, it doesn’t mean the creativity, connection, and fun you found on the app have to end. There are plenty of ways to navigate this change and even discover new opportunities for growth. Here are some ideas:
1. Explore Alternative Platforms:
Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts: Both platforms offer short-form video content similar to TikTok and already have thriving communities.
BlueSky: A newer social media platform created by one of Twitter’s co-founders, BlueSky focuses on decentralized, user-driven connections and is worth exploring as it grows.
BeReal: Known for its authentic and unfiltered vibe, BeReal offers a more personal way to connect with friends.
Discord: Build or join interest-based communities to stay connected and share ideas.
RedNote: A music-focused platform tied to creative content, with a growing user base. While its roots trace back to similar Chinese platforms like Douyin (TikTok's counterpart in China), it’s another space to explore creative expression.
2. Rediscover In-Person Connections: If TikTok has replaced face-to-face time with friends or family, this could be a chance to prioritize in-person experiences. Attend local events, join hobby groups, or just spend more time with loved ones.
3. Find New Creative Outlets: Use this opportunity to try something new—whether it’s journaling, blogging, painting, or photography. Creativity isn’t limited to one platform, and you might find a new way to express yourself.
4. Learn and Grow Offline: Miss the educational content TikTok provided? Replace it with podcasts, books, or online courses that expand your knowledge and skills.
5. Take a Social Media Break: If the uncertainty about TikTok’s future has left you feeling drained, consider stepping back from social media altogether. This can give you space to reflect, recharge, and focus on other areas of life.
Reflecting on What TikTok Gave Us
TikTok isn’t just a platform—it’s been part of our daily lives, helping us navigate tough times, build creative communities, and find laughter when the world felt heavy. Its impact has gone far beyond short videos, shaping how we connect, learn, and share experiences. If TikTok goes away, it’s okay to feel the loss, but also remember that the creativity, friendships, and knowledge it fostered don’t have to end with the app.
If you’re finding it especially hard to cope with the idea of losing TikTok—whether because it was a major source of comfort during tough times, a part of your livelihood, or just a big part of your daily routine—it’s okay to seek support. Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist can help you process those emotions and find new ways to manage change. Your feelings are valid, and there’s no shame in reaching out for help.
The essence of TikTok—creativity, connection, and learning—doesn’t have to disappear with the app. While change can feel scary, it’s also an opportunity to explore new ways to connect and grow. Whether it’s finding alternative platforms, prioritizing face-to-face interactions, or simply taking a break from the digital world, you’ll find what works for you.
What has TikTok meant to you, and how do you plan to navigate this uncertainty? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
About Attiya Awadallah, LCAT, ATR-BC, LPAT
Attiya Awadallah is a licensed psychotherapist and creative arts therapist who helps young adults navigate anxiety, depression, and life transitions with compassion and creativity. With over 10 years of experience, she combines evidence-based approaches with personalized care to support each client’s unique journey. Attiya is passionate about empowering individuals to build resilience, find purpose, and thrive even in challenging times. Learn more about her practice at Lenora: Art Therapy and Counseling.
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