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TikTok vs. Everybody : Consider This from NPR Whether you're a politician, a mental health expert, or a parent, it seems everyone has a problem with TikTok. Some concerns stem from the social media platform's addictive qualities or its effects on one's mental health. Critics have also noted dangerous video trends. Members of Congress in both parties are calling for a ban over fears that the Chinese government could harvest Tik Tok user information. And many states and colleges have taken steps to regulate the platform.

But for tens of millions of Americans, TikTok has become a part of their lives, providing entertainment, news, and even community.

Are the threats to ban TikTok missing the point?

Host Scott Detrow talks to Mark Pocan, a Democratic Congressman from Wisconsin, and Rebecca Jennings, who covers internet culture for Vox.

Consider This from NPR

TikTok vs. Everybody

TikTok vs. Everybody

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FILE - This Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, file photo, shows the TikTok logo on a smartphone in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File) Kiichiro Sato/AP hide caption

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Kiichiro Sato/AP

FILE - This Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, file photo, shows the TikTok logo on a smartphone in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

Kiichiro Sato/AP

Whether you're a politician, a mental health expert, or a parent, it seems everyone has a problem with TikTok. Some concerns stem from the social media platform's addictive qualities or its effects on one's mental health. Critics have also noted dangerous video trends. Members of Congress in both parties are calling for a ban, over fears that the Chinese government could harvest TikTok user information. And many states and colleges have taken steps to regulate the platform.

But for tens of millions of Americans, TikTok has become a part of their lives, providing entertainment, news, and even community.

Are the threats to ban TikTok missing the point?

Host Scott Detrow talks to Mark Pocan, a Democratic Congressman from Wisconsin, and Rebecca Jennings, who covers internet culture for Vox.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Marc Rivers. It was edited by Jeanette Woods. Our executive producer is Adam Raney.