I think we can all agree that although we were aware of the TikTok ban taking place on January 19, we were NOT prepared for the horrible restrictions that awaited. The ban took place at 10:30 p.m. on the 18, almost two hours before everyone expected it to go into effect, putting a wrench into all of our bed-rotting TikTok time. Instead of enjoying our last few hours on one of the most popular social media platforms, the app crashed on us, which I can confidently say left the NVOT community in utter shock. Processing what was happening in the 12 hours TikTok was banned, I clicked on the app over 30 times (the muscle memory to click on the app every waking minute was actually insane). I had the same disappointment each time I clicked on the app and saw TikTok’s message:

When I tell you that was the longest 12 hours of my life, it was the LONGEST 12 hours of my life. To try and help others in case TikTok does get banned after the 75 day delay (and to help us stop being horrible screenagers), here are five things to do if there is ever another TikTok ban in the future.

• Read a Book 

As a former reader, my time reading has decreased significantly because of TikTok. I have found myself in a rut due to TikTok’s influence over the world. Even if there is never another nationwide ban, it’s never a bad idea to pick up a new (or old) book and start reading.

• Spend time with friends 

Instead of spending endless hours scrolling through TikTok’s FYP, hanging out with friends should be everyone’s top priority. As a high school senior, it has become eye-opening how little time there is left to make memories with friends during our high school years. Wow that got deep, anyways, HANG OUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS. Let’s try not to be phone addicts 🙂

• Catch up on homework 

I think we can all agree that we watch TikTok while trying to do homework at the same time, leading to unfinished assignments. If TikTok does get banned again, the first thing on all of our agendas should be homework (boring, but it needs to be done!)

• Go to the movies 

Going to watch a movie with friends or family is the second best thing you can do if there is no TikTok. There are all different types of movie genres which can intrigue interest. Without TikTok, we can focus on the new movies being released and get the FULL movie theater experience (reclining chairs, candy, popcorn, & slushies). 

• Start a new show 

Lastly, starting a new show can be another way to try and fill the empty void TikTok has brought us. There are many great outlets to watch new shows including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, & Peacock (I know your family has at least one of these networks so take your pick!!). 

Although TikTok is currently unbanned and many of us are back to our daily doom scrolling, it might be nice for us to change our habits to become more mentally prepared if TikTok ever does get permanently banned.