‘Tick tock’ goes the clock on TikTok app: Expert warns of dangers

TikTok’s popularity is raising safety concerns. (photo from Unsplash.com)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief

With a billion users worldwide and almost half of the United States population using the app, TikTok has become the fastest growing social media platform in recent years. 

However, TikTok’s ownership to a company in China has raised questions about national and cyber security concerns, which has led The White House and lawmakers in Washington to support legislation that would ban the platform.  

Craig Albert, a political science professor and graduate director of the Intelligence and Security Studies master’s program at AU, said, “If the United States was to engage in warfare with China, it would have direct access to 180 million individuals.”  

Like much of the country, students at AU are considering the possibility of TikTok being banned.  

Jenny Canino, a sophomore kinesiology major, said she uses the app as a pastime, but people should use precautions.  

“If I’m bored and just want to scroll through something, TikTok is usually my go-to,” she said.  

Bri Coleman, a freshman pre-nursing major, shared a similar view as Canino.  

“It is emotionally consuming,” she said. “I feel that if it were to be banned, it would bring way more problems than what’s already going on.”  

Atariyonna Williams, a freshman pre-nursing major, said she finds there are larger issues to focus on instead of TikTok.  

“Any software can get hacked, regardless of if it’s with China or not,” she said. 

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu

This story is published in the Wednesday, April 24, 2024 print edition of The Bell Ringer on the front page.