I have heard many people talking about banning TikTok because of "brain rot." But Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are also short-form videos, yet nobody says anything against them. Let's not forget the enormous, positive impact TikTok has had on creators and the economy alike:

In 2023, TikTok added $24.2 billion to the U.S. economy.

More than 7 million small businesses use TikTok's platform.

TikTok supports roughly 224,000 U.S. jobs.

A ban on TikTok would mean an estimated $1.3 billion loss for Americans in the first month.

For those who are concerned about the content of the platform, the decision is quite simple: to not engage in it-to not use the app. But TikTok is so much more than a hub of endless scrolling. It's a platform that enables creators, facilitates learning, and forges connections.

Many users have picked up practical knowledge from TikTok, anything from financial advice to DIY skills, often more than from traditional education. TikTok brings global news and a variety of perspectives that one may not find in mainstream media.

Not all content is educational, but TikTok has great potential if used responsibly. Instead of banning the app outright, we should look at its broader benefits and encourage its positive uses.