Tik Tok is one of the most popular apps amongst the youth these days, so popular that last year it was the most downloaded app in the app stores for Google and Apple, beating apps like Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram.
However, only recently there have been a number of complains about people misusing the Tik Tok app for pornographic purposes and exploiting children. Many users were angry on their videos being used inappropriately by other users. There are also some media reports about users getting disturbing comments, such as asking for private contact information or to have the user post provocative images. And people uploading videos of random girls in their colleges, on the roads etc without their permission to do so.
Pakistanis and indians have discovered the musically app and its the funniest thing i have ever seen 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/S0FJ2OaaPF
— Asam (@Asam__A) June 24, 2018
People have also been concerned that the application is a waste of time for the youth and the amount of time that they actually waste on creating a 30 second video for likes and shares is insane. Also, the app is also being used by people of all ages and the content is absolutely trash!
https://twitter.com/Kashmala_Says/status/1124335853923442688
Another major complain happens to be the creation of unethical, hateful and inappropriate videos that have hurt the religious sentiments of many around Pakistan. In an attempt to bring this issue to the authorities’notice, people started trending the #BanTikTok hasthag on Twitter and oh boy were they angry!
Tik Tok is promoting same sex relationships or ‘gayism’. Girls dressed up in minimal clothing and videos full of trash talk can be found commonly, which no religion nor morality can support.#BanTikTok pic.twitter.com/4ep2umkxGj
— TauQir AhmaD 💙🇵🇰 (@Tauqir599) May 19, 2019
Honestly, this reckless behavior needs to end right here
https://twitter.com/powerstrugle128/status/1130054767974244352
It’s easy to blame technology for everything
https://twitter.com/JameelNaz911/status/1130052791660158977
Exactly, entertainment tak theek tha but people need to learn to respect other people’s privacy
https://twitter.com/FjRajput/status/1130254284115906561
Agreed!
https://twitter.com/imbehzadqureshi/status/1130247281649836032
Some think that banning the app isn’t the solution but educating the youth is
Banning Apps is not a solution. Educating/Tarbiat n Building character of our youth is needed.., Digital khusro ko band kro😎 #BanTikTok https://t.co/88fsIoma8f
— Chudhary (@CA_t0_be) May 19, 2019
One of the users has even set up a poll to see what others think
https://twitter.com/WiqiKhanPk/status/1130066874023251968
Some people believe that other apps along with Tik Tok should be banned too!
https://twitter.com/JameelNaz911/status/1130051983619108864
Many came forward to share how the app is a hazard to the users
https://twitter.com/ImtiazButt79/status/1130053644303392768
Well, agreed, it’s the users who should be blamed
Theres no bad thing about the app its the users and crave for sasti popularity that people are ready to do anything We need to realize that Some people make really good content on it while majority is cancer And making content should be the first priority on any medium #BanTikTok
— Talha Yunus stan acc (@lordsadan) May 19, 2019
And some people were against the ban
Only people who hate joy would want to #BanTikTok.
— Nida Kirmani (@NidaKirmani) May 19, 2019
Some actually made pretty valid points in Tok Tok’s favor
Most people hate tik tok boys who do this cross dressing stuff, uses makeup etc.. I think tik tok gives them a platform to show their true side. A place for them where they don't have to hide who they really are. People who hate these tik tok users should just grow the fuck up.
— Shub (@BeastBoyShub) May 14, 2019
A lot of people tagged PEMRA in their tweets as well for necessary action to be taken
https://twitter.com/_____traveller/status/1130053243726381057
The issue isn’t just limited to Pakistan but even the United States wants it banned…
That’s it! I’ve had it! @realDonaldTrump needs to sign an executive order to ban the app @tiktok_us in the United States. I can’t watch another one of those stupid cringey ads on my phone! #BanTikTok
— dion 🌐 (@DionFromOH) November 7, 2018
We may not completely agree with the ban, but it would be great if the app developers tried monitoring violations and catered to complains of the platform being misused seriously. With that being said, we also need to keep an eye on our children and what they’re doing on the internet. Children need counseling and monitoring. You’ll ban one app, another app with similar features will pop up the next day how many apps can you possibly ban? It’s time we teach and counsel our children on what’s appropriate and what isn’t.
Tiktok should be banned