Could the TikTok Ban Lead to a Deeper Peace in Christ?
Due to a bipartisan bill passed in April 2024, TikTok will be banned in the United States on Jan. 19 for posing "a significant threat to national security" unless its parent company, Chinese-owned Byte Dance, chooses to sell it, or the Supreme Court intervenes. The Supreme Court heard arguments on Friday from both TikTok and the U.S. federal government. TikTok claimed the so-called 'get banned or sell' law infringes on its freedom of speech, while the government argued that the app has the ability to gather mass amounts of information on American users, which could potentially be weaponized by the Chinese government.
The high court has signaled support for the ban thus far, though it's due to render a final decision by Sunday.
In the years since its inception, the app, used by 170 million Americans, has been found to have many cracks in its security, allowing for potential cyber attacks on its users.
In January 2020, Check Point Research published findings that exposed weaknesses in TikTok's security, including the potential for hackers to gain personal information on users, manipulate content on users' accounts, and delete or upload videos to accounts without permission.
In May 2023, Imperva, a company specializing in cyber attack protections for businesses, found a vulnerability within the TikTok app that made it possible for hackers to view the digital activities of its users.
Though the Check Point Research and Imperva findings have since been resolved by TikTok, debate over potentially new or previously undetected malware within the app continues.
U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar at the Supreme Court hearing on Friday explained the risks involved in using the app.
"We know that [China] has a voracious appetite to get its hands on as much information about Americans as possible, and that creates a potent weapon here," Prelogar said. "Because [China] could command ByteDance [to] comply with any request it gives to obtain that data. TikTok's immense data set would give [China] a powerful tool for harassment, recruitment and espionage."
As TikTok inches closer to being banned, a case could be made that many individuals, including Christ followers, may be better off without it.
A 2021 study on TikTok Use Disorder (TTUD), a problematic use of TikTok, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, found a link between TTUD and memory loss, stress, anxiety, and depression. Additional research published in 2022 from Frontiers in Psychology showed that "TikTok has one of the most advanced algorithm systems and is the most addictive as compared to other social media platforms."
Moreover, a 2023 study published in Psychiatry Research replicated results from two prior studies, from 1998 and 2004, which found that "excessive internet usage was associated with increased loneliness." Additionally, the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, in a 2021 article, explained that "loneliness pushes people to use the internet more."
Given that TikTok was found to be "the most addictive" social media platform, one can safely assume that it's likely being used excessively, especially by young people. Social skills and problem-solving abilities are crucial to adolescent development and overuse of social media apps like TikTok could stunt the natural growth and trajectory of these skills.
The natural conclusion is that the app could lead some of its users into a state of anxiety, loneliness, or depression. It could also serve as a temporary peace-filler for individuals suffering from loneliness.
The problem with a fleeting peace-filler is that it tosses people about this way and that, and it must be constantly replaced. It's the opposite of the steady, permanent anchor experienced by those who believe in Christ. As He teaches in John 4, verses 13-14, if we believe in Him, we will never thirst again, not in the way the world thirsts, for we will have the kind of deep joy that is unaffected by circumstance. It's the deep calm of knowing that, despite our sins or current state of affairs, Jesus died for everyone, giving those who repent and turn to Him eternal life and security.
Jesus explained this to the Samaritan woman at the well.
"Jesus answered and said to her, 'Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.'"
As Christians, we should look to God alone for peace through prayer, a steady practice of reading our Bibles, and following His Word. God should be what fills our hearts. The peace that comes from Christ is unsurpassed.
As Scripture tells us in the book of John, chapter 14, Jesus offers a peace that can't be found anywhere in the world. The peace of our Lord isn't found in material possessions or in other people; and it's certainly not inside a smartphone app or behind a computer screen. In fact, these things have the potential to block or even take the place of a deeper, more personal relationship with our Lord and Savior.
Jesus teaches this in John 14:27 when He tells His people that peace in Him is far superior to anything that is offered by the world.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid," Jesus said.
It bears mentioning that the positive aspects of TikTok are apparent, though variable and subjectively based on personal experience. However, whether it's making virtual connections, having a laugh or two, or even hearing snippets of Scripture, Christians would do well to remember that those things should serve as peace supplements, not centerpieces in our walk with Christ. The only centerpiece of our hearts should be Jesus. Anything else is just a cheap distraction.
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Vicky has written news articles on topics including human trafficking, Supreme Court rulings, politics, Christian persecution, the economy, social issues, and much more. She loves to learn and earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from DePaul University. When she’s not tackling the current news cycle or interviewing someone for a story, you can probably find her writing poetry, taking pictures, or spending time with her husband. Vicky loves music, concerts, and all things Paris. You can find more of Vicky’s articles, scholarly papers, and even some of her poetic reflections at https://vlarias7.journoportfolio.com/
Originally published January 16, 2025.
