The possible ban of TikTok made me reflect on why I love the app so much. TikTok has altered the information landscape information, opportunities to make a living and social connection. TikTok is truly one of a kind, and I selfishly hope it remains as is.
By Robbi Gallegos
Robbi Gallegos was a spring 2024 intern. She spent her final semester as a California State University, Dominguez Hills journalism student helping manage and expand our social media presence.
Why is AfroLA betting on TikTok?
AfroLA has had a social media presence from Day 1, but we’re just now developing a specific content strategy for TikTok. The app has become notorious for its virality. One simple post can reach millions of users, and like any other brand, company, or organization, AfroLA desires to broaden its community. By staying true to our mission and values, we believe that TikTok will help expand and widen our reach. This highly- engaging app fosters creativity, which allows us to generate relatable and entertaining content that resonates with our audience.
We always want to work with the community rather than talk about it or at it. We will continue to tell our stories through an undeniable Black lens, rather than with the media’s persistent white gaze.
In January, I began strategizing how to launch AfroLA’s TikTok account. My passion for storytelling through creative digital and visual elements aided efforts to ensure a successful launch for AfroLA. I worked closely with the Innovation In Focus initiative from the Reynolds Journalism Institute. We collaborated on video ideas, shared knowledge during the editing process, and constructed a guide to follow for future posts. Together, we created three videos that are now published on our TikTok. With every post, we took great care to guarantee that it authentically represents AfroLA. As likes, shares, and comments began to pour in, it became clear that AfroLA’s journey, on such a large platform, had just begun.
TikTok, I love you
TikTok has easily become my most used and favorite app. (That’s supported by my phone’s screen time analysis..) TikTok’s emphasis on short, engaging videos makes it easy for users to consume and create content to share quickly. The app’s algorithm analyzes users’ preferences and curates personalized content discovery to encourage users to spend more time on the platform. Call me dramatic, but I can’t imagine a digital world without TikTok; there’s no app that compares.
What I love most about TikTok is that anything and everything is there. All of my interests are catered to in one place. Whether I’m looking for fitness tips, makeup recommendations, dinner ideas, or anything else, TikTok has it all. The algorithm perfectly curates a feed that serves me content I will specifically enjoy based on my previous video interactions, making every scrolling session enjoyable. I also love posting on TikTok, and throughout the years, the app has helped me hone my talents in digital storytelling and content creation. Over the years, as I am immersed myself in the vibrant community of creators, each video I post has become a form of self- expression, a way in which I could share my voice and creativity with the world. The constant flow of new trends, challenges, and content others share makes it exciting to discover and keeps me coming back for more.
What’s the backstory on banning TikTok?
Issues of data privacy, national security, and content moderation fueled lawmakers’ efforts on a bill to ban the app. There have been allegations that TikTok collects and shares users’ data with the Chinese government, as TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China. The large number of underage users on the app raised concerns about inappropriate and harmful content. Some users have encountered explicit language, sexual content, violence, and dangerous viral challenges on the app. Even though TikTok prohibits such content in its community guidelines, enforcement is inconsistent. Under the Trump Administration, unsuccessful attempts were made to ban TikTok through executive orders. Under President Biden’s Administration, inquiries about TikTok’s data policies have persisted, driven by the fear of a national security threat. In April, the president signed a bill demanding TikTok’s parent company divestment from China by 2025 or face a ban in the U.S.
What’s next?
The ban bill was handed off to the U.S. Senate, where it awaits passing. If the bill reaches President Biden’s desk, he has already confirmed he will sign it, officially banning TikTok. The Senate still has the option to strike the TikTok provision, but doing so would mean sending the entire package back to the House for another vote. Currently, ByteDance still has the option to sell TikTok, which would guarantee the app remains accessible to U.S. users. The legislation approved by the House gives ByteDance a nine-month window to complete the sale, with a possible three-month extension.
What would a ban mean for TikTok users?
Across the app, many users are worried about the possible ban. TikTok is an immensely diverse platform. The app provides a multitude of purposes, including entertainment, education, social connection, business marketing, and so many other areas.
For some users, TikTok is an app they use leisurely, and for others, it is their livelihood.
User @monetmcmichael dedicates herself to TikTok content creation as a full-time job. She made the Forbes top 50 creators list in 2023. @monetmcmichael said she wasgoing to school to become a registered nurse, but once she saw the opportunity TikTok gave her, she switched career paths. She has earned $4 million from partnerships across her social media pages, TikTok being her biggest platform. Such lucrative opportunities are often only obtainable through platforms as impactful and widely used as TikTok. @monetmcmichael has 4 million followers on TikTok. Her earnings highlight the immense potential for financial gain that can come from building a significant following and engaging an audience on the platform. Her success story underscores TikTok’s role not just as a source of entertainment but as a viable career path for many talented individuals and businesses as a whole.
@flexylexxxy recounted being denied entry into an L.A. club because of her size. She was going out for a friend’s birthday and right as she was about to walk into the club, the bouncer at the front looked her up and down and told her, “Not tonight.” There was no additional explanation other than those two empty words. She took to TikTok to share her experience and the comments with supportive and kind words as well as other women who face similar situations poured in.
Users like @flexylexxxy exemplify how individuals can leverage TikTok to build supportive communities around shared experiences and challenges. With more than 100,000 followers, this influencer champions self- acceptance among plus size women of color, inspiring them to embrace their authentic selves. Notably, she has modeled for renowned brands like Savage x Fenty by Rihanna, a billion-dollar empire. Her presence on such platforms holds immense significance for the representation of the plus size community.
Through her platform, she cultivates a spirit of unity and encouragement among her followers. @flexylexxxy embodies the idea that beauty is diverse and multifaceted, empowering others to confidently celebrate their inherent beauty, regardless of societal standards.
This is what really sets TikTok apart from other apps: its capacity to build diverse communities based on the interests of its users. TikTok thrives on its algorithms ability to understand user preference and deliver tailored content. This dynamic aspect allows users to connect with other like-minded individuals. TikTok is a playground for creativity, connection, and endless exploration.
And, AfroLA is joining the game.
