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The world waits with bated breath as the United States prepares to ban the TikTok app, which currently has 170 million users across Americz.
Many hope the ban will bring about a return to old-school virality, when seemingly mundane 20 second clips could go viral and remain cultural touchstones for years – like Charlie Bit My Finger.
The ban of the popular Chinese app, which was spearheaded by brave and patriotic republicans and democrats alike, was put into place out of fear that the app used by 170 million Americans could be used for covert Chinese espionage.
American lawmakers swear that it has nothing to do with political lobbying by the Zuck to take out his greatest threat since the creation of basic human social skills.
Debate continues to rage over what the social media landscape in America will look like in just four days.
While pessimists view the move as a step toward a social media monopoly, some optimistic Americans are hopeful it will spark an online renaissance, ushering in a new era of quirky short clips that inspire auto-tune remixes.
“It might mark the end of millions of fragmented online communities, and maybe, just maybe it will also unite the country. Inoffensive 20-second clips could become the only online media we consume again” said Mary Sonders (34), a millennial who came of age during YouTube’s early years.
Meanwhile, former 2000s YouTube stars—like the “I like turtles” kid and the “Leave Britney alone” guy—have announced their return, hoping to capitalise on renewed fame in the current era when going viral can actually be monetised.
Until the ban officially takes effect, the impact on America’s media landscape remains uncertain. What is known is that one of the few windows into the world beyond it’s borders, in a country notorious for its lack of worldliness, will soon be closed.
