Six ways a TikTok ban could impact young people

It’s hard to imagine life before TikTok – even though in reality the short-form video platform only came to prominence in 2019.

It has also undergone many iterations in its brief lifetime. From “challenges” and viral dances, to acting as a springboard for up-and-coming musicians, like Lil Nas X and Sam Ryder – the app has not only succeeded in garnering some 170 million monthly US users and over one billion global monthly users, it has also helped launched careers in a way that no longer felt possible on rival platforms, which have become overly-saturated and whose algorithms have caught on accordingly.

But now, TikTok is under threat in the US, with a potential ban coming into effect on 19 January – unless the US Supreme Court rules the move to be unconstitutional. The motivation behind the ban is said to be national security, with concerns raised by the Justice Department over data collection and the app’s connection to the Chinese government – allegations owner ByteDance strongly deny.

While president-elect Donald Trump has voiced his opposition to the ban and his lawyer has stated that he will look to find solutions "through political means once he takes office," he won’t officially be president until 20 January – a day after the ban is enforced.

In terms of the fallout from the ban, it is vast – not least in terms of the company’s revenue streams and those of its US-based creators. But there are other, deep-rooted issues with the app "going dark" for so many users – users who have grown up with the app, which is firmly cemented in their day-to-day lives.

Loneliness and a lack of community

A 2024 study drew a link between social media and loneliness, with younger people reporting higher levels of loneliness than any other age group in the UK.

It found that younger creators were taking to TikTok to discuss their sense of isolation, with the videos included in the study racking up over 687 million views.

For many, then, TikTok is a way to feel connected to the outside world – a means to find community, even if that’s not reflected in their personal, analogue lives.

But Kemi Omijeh, an experienced BACP-registered psychotherapist and clinical supervisor who has worked with children and families for over 14 years, stresses that while TikTok itself might disappear, the communities created will not.

"Within safe parameters, they can use the opportunity to connect with those friends offline," she says.

For creators, in particular, they may have met friends through TikTok-related events, content creation days and so forth, and they can still get together with those people to help fill the void.

Omijeh also says that change can be a great motivator. "In the same way that Tiktok was new and it grew into what it is today, there can be other things, too, that create opportunities – that something can grow out of."

For those who perhaps feel like they are lacking social skills and find it hard to connect with others face-to-face, Omijeh stresses: "They have shown resilience through the fact they were able to build something on TikTok. It was them that created something that resonated with others – TikTok was merely a vessel. And so they can do the same again."

BACP-registered therapist Philip Karahassan also suggests that, just as creators might create scripts for their videos and plan their content, they should apply those skills to real-life settings if they struggle with face-to-face interactions.

"They could take themselves to a coffee shop or social environment and try out different conversation starters. Many of them have already overcome the fear of being on camera, so similarly, by pushing their comfort zones in person, they can find other ways to connect."

Internet versus reality

Similarly, many creators on social media design separate versions of themselves to who they are in person.

An article published by the National Library of Medicine in 2024 explores the role of our online personae – specifically in a post-Covid world. It discusses not only how teens and Gen Zs carefully curate their online image, but also how we all use social media platforms as a means of self-promotion – whether it’s for networking purposes, to elevate our attractiveness to others or to launch our own business.

Karahassan says that one of the biggest implications of the ban, therefore, will be how creators untangle their online persona from their offline character.

"Just as you might have a different personality at work than when you’re with friends and family, lots of TikTok creators have built a separate identity for themselves online," he explains. "It might be very destabilising to no longer have that outlet."

Karahassan also believes that this will push younger people, especially, towards alternative platforms, through a need to connect and express themselves – to keep that version on themselves alive.

Lost content

Although the specifics on how the ban will be rolled out have yet to be announced, a lawyer representing the app said it will simply "go dark" for millions of users. It has also been suggested that, if indeed the ban does go through, it will be a phased decline, with updates no longer being available to US users.

If this does happen, Karahassan points out that for many, they will likely mourn the loss of their work and content too. They might, for example, derive a sense of pride, accomplishment and self-worth from their work, and feel as though it's gone to waste or that they no longer have that creative outlet.

"There will be a sort of void felt by creators," he says. "People have put all that work and time in – built up follower counts and get a great sense of self-esteem from this. Although they could migrate to other platforms, if they have not already, it will take time to build that back up."

Omijeh advises that people try to download as much of their content in advance, and to acknowledge that a "loss is a loss."

"The most important thing to stress is that the grief cycle applies whether it's the loss of a pet or the loss of a TikTok account – or something that you've invested your art and your mind into," she explains. "It's important not to minimise that experience of grief and loss. Acknowledge it, think about ways to keep elements of your work in physical life, and make sure that you are not exposing yourself people to are minimising or dismissing it."

She also points out that many of the skills they harness through their content creation will be transferrable, and can be applied to other areas of their lives.

Lost income

For those whose main income comes from the app, they might find the ban especially hard to navigate.

Omijeh impresses the importance of seeking financial aid and organisations that can help with the practical side of things. She also recommends assessing their mood over a period of 1-2 weeks post-ban to see if it improves. If they are still struggling, she urges them to seek professional help.

"More practically, I would break it down into: 'What do I need most now?'; 'What do I do next?'; and 'What will I need in the long-term?'" she says. "And it is really important to talk to others – like a partner, friend – about your worries. They can help you problem solve and get back on your feet."

Social activism and making a difference

For others who use their platform to raise awareness or as a way to engage people in social activism, they may wish to look at volunteering schemes and other platforms.

Omijeh points out: "As much as it feels new, social activism has always existed. If we kind of look back in history, there are people that always kind of spoke up against injustices with whatever platform they have, not be the territory."

"I think one thing about activism on social media is that it can be a sort of bubble of like-minded individuals. So the people who kind of agree with your general values are the people kind of like page of follow your page, are already on the same page on you potentially might be offering," she continues.

"This could be an opportunity to widen your circle and connect with other people that need convincing or have a lack of awareness or exposure to something, as well as an opportunity to connect with those like-minded people in person."

Abandoning routine

For neurodivergent people, especially, the break in routine can be unsettling. Omijeh says through her experience, one thing she's found helpful in this situation is for the patient to seek solace in other familiar things – whether it's a comfort show or doing an activity they once did as a child that may help them feel grounded.

"Doing something that can make you laugh or finding something that calms you can really help. Weighted blankets can also be really helpful to settle anxiety," she adds.

For those who are not neurodivergent, they may wish to take the opportunity to examine why and how they use social media, Omijeh advises.

"Assess what you are doing with that time in between. What does it feel like? If you're feeling anxious, worried, agitated – whatever emotion you're feeling in that gap – it will tell you why you're using TikTok and similar platforms."

It can help you find alternative outlets and process your feelings.

Read more about social media:

• What is RedNote? America's TikTok 'ban' has users flocking to Chinese social media app (Daily Record, 5-min read)

• How to help keep children safe online as Meta removes fact-checkers (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)

• Why is it so hard to give up Instagram? A psychologist explains (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)