Disappointment and confusion spread among U.S. TikTok users on Wednesday upon learning that the Chinese owner ByteDance intended to shut down the platform for its 170 million U.S. users by Sunday. Users who have built careers on the app were hoping for a solution to avoid a U.S. ban slated for 2023. However, with resignation and frustration setting in, the looming January 19 deadline is causing distress.
Expressing his dismay, Joonsuk Shin, a 28-year-old research manager and content creator in New York, stated, "TikTok signaling that white flag is very discouraging and very sad."
Calls for a boycott of platforms like Instagram and Facebook emerged, as they are expected to attract advertisers who previously used TikTok extensively. One user suggested, "We all need to delete our Facebook, X, and Instagram accounts that same day."
ByteDance faced a deadline to sell TikTok's U.S. assets by January 19 or face a ban due to concerns about national security risks. Despite denying sharing U.S. user data, TikTok and ByteDance have challenged the law's constitutionality.
As the fate of the app hangs in the balance, TikTok users are preparing for the potential shutdown by sharing alternative platforms to connect with followers. Some have moved to Chinese apps, navigating instructions in Mandarin with the help of translation services.
While some users remain hopeful for a last-minute reprieve, others are already mourning the loss of their content. Amber Goode, a 28-year-old true crime content creator from Colorado, expressed frustration over the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future, questioning, "Why are they playing with us?"
Amidst mixed reactions towards ByteDance’s decision, Ishpal Sidhu, a 32-year-old former attorney turned full-time creator, voiced her concerns about losing followers and income. Users worldwide also shared their perspectives, with New Zealand content creator Luke Hopewell bluntly stating, "Say goodbye to the Americans."