VCU vs. TikTok: Navigating the potential ban’s impact on student life

Jessica Holgado, Contributing Writer

When I first heard about the potential TikTok ban during my senior year of high school in 2020, I was skeptical. The app had recently rebranded from Musical.ly and was surging in popularity. I assumed it was just another rumor and continued to enjoy the platform without giving it much thought — after all, the year passed and TikTok remained.

The concerns at the time centered around privacy and national security, with the FBI cautioning that the Chinese government might use the app to steal users’ data. Despite these serious allegations, the app’s operations continued unaffected, and the issue seemed to fade into the background as we all focused on the latest trends.

Now, as a student at VCU, I am faced with the same concerns about a TikTok ban, but the context has changed. The discussions are more intense and the possibility feels more real. It is no longer a distant rumor to ignore.

TikTok is a platform for creativity and connecting with others, but there is an underlying concern about how our personal information is handled. People are worried about where their data ends up and whether they have agreed to it being shared. The fact that TikTok is owned by a Chinese company adds to the worry. It is not just TikTok, though — many apps, like Pinterest, gather our data to make the things we see more relevant, especially the ads. 

I have witnessed firsthand how TikTok has become a huge part of our daily life here on campus. It has really become the core of student organizations, a dynamic platform for our creativity and a powerful tool to voice our advocacies.

For instance, the clubs I am in at VCU have been smart about using TikTok to show off their brand and attract new people. It has really changed how students connect with potential members, letting them see all the cool stuff there is to do on campus. Creating trendy videos and audio clips make club events and news feel friendly and exciting. 

I found the clubs I am a part of today on Tiktok, which I am grateful for. Without their engaging content appearing on my For You Page, I might have missed out on unforgettable college experiences. 

TikTok has also become an integral part of the student experience at VCU, showcasing the university’s community. It provides a window into the diverse food scene near campus, with students frequently posting about their favorite food spots. The platform is also a canvas for students to display daily fashion with their “outfit of the day.” 

Additionally, TikTok acts as a bulletin board for upcoming events and festivals, ensuring these gatherings are well-attended and vibrant. It also offers advice and insights into university life. If TikTok were to prohibit this content, the VCU community would lose a valuable resource for connection and information.

Banning TikTok could have unintended consequences. It serves as a platform for student engagement and content creation. Alternatives like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts or Snapchat Spotlight do not replicate the overall experience that TikTok offers, like its own personalized algorithm and addictive user experience. This ban could restrict students from connecting with their audience and distributing their content.

The potential banning of TikTok would create a noticeable void in the VCU community. This platform is not just about entertainment — it is a vital link that connects students and fosters a sense of belonging. 

Removing it would not only silence these shared voices but also strip away a layer of the student experience that has become as much a part of VCU as the classrooms themselves.