The future of our planet is at risk, and this time, it’s not from unnecessary wars, gun-fueled violence or climate change.
Let’s put it into perspective: The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. Only 100-150 cases are accepted annually despite the staggering number of cases awaiting approval. Since 2020, there have been talks about banning TikTok, but in 2024, former President Joe Biden signed a bill prohibiting it, propelling it to the Supreme Court in January.
President Donald Trump has extended the TikTok ban by 75 days to allow time for the location of a US buyer to save the app. As of today, March 5th, we’re just one month away from TikTok possibly disappearing for good. Mark your calendars. April 5th could be the deadline.
Like many Americans, I too am upset, not at the banning of TikTok, but at our pretentious political system. It’s frustrating that a case about TikTok is prioritized over more pressing issues such as warfare, gun violence, and global warming. Learning how TikTok was restored after 12 hours has been even more excruciating.
Social media privacy issues are important, don’t get me wrong. But if we can prioritize an app for people dancing, we should be able to prioritize those whose lives are in urgent danger first above the next new trend.
I recognize that social media can sometimes comfort many, including myself. However, given the current global circumstances, TikTok seems more like a joke that has overstayed its welcome. Still, our political system finds it humorous.
Nearly three years ago, on Oct. 7, 2023, the current war between Israel and Hamas in Palestine began, changing people’s lives forever.
On Dec. 17, 2024, a 15-year-old girl got hold of a firearm and used it to kill two of her classmates and injured six others at her private school in Wisconsin.
Over 12,000 houses were burned in the LA fires, claiming 28 victims and leaving many people feeling as though they had everything, only to lose it all. And those are just a few examples from the last few months.
People are fighting for their lives just to put food on the table for their families, and, considering that the price of eggs has risen 15% from a year ago, making dinner occasionally is a gift. Homes are burning down from numerous wildfires, and some states have close to no gun regulation laws that lead to school shootings and innocent people getting harmed.
And a prestigious council of elected representatives in the United States has collectively decided that TikTok is more important. Is that how they want to spend their time? The U.S. government must revise its priorities and preserve what remains.
We need to improve in this democracy. Implementing the ban on TikTok shows what can be done, and what our officials can do. We can make laws and help those in need. So why do we wait? Why does the government wait until things are beyond their control to act?
Yes, I am a 16-year-old without a permit, and I may not fully comprehend what goes into passing a bill, let alone getting it to the Supreme Court. But I know we must hold ourselves, as a country, as students, and even as people to a higher standard, not just for now but for future generations.
We don’t want future generations to look back on our history and see that the most significant thing we accomplished was banning social media apps. We don’t want to leave a mess that others will struggle to fix, perhaps irreparably. What are we, toddlers?
Comfort is a strong human emotion that many associate with their social media. However, in comfort, nothing grows. And for some, comfort is unknown. For particular officials, comfort is more important than the lives and relations of their struggling citizens.
Our political system has gotten to the point where addressing less critical ideas has become the norm, and it’s disgusting. It’s time to step up to our political system. For those who are able, your vote is your voice. Use it before it’s too late. Use your vote to elect the representatives who will make a difference, not just sit there twiddling their thumbs.
For those who can’t, don’t allow your age to be the reason that is preventing you from expressing yourself. Your voice can empower others, and your voice can be used to speak for those who can’t. Write to your representatives, join clubs to educate yourself, and volunteer for causes you are passionate about, the possibilities are vast.
Our broken political system needs a wake-up call one it can’t ignore. I don’t want to live in a world where my grandparents had more rights and a stronger political system than my future grandchildren.
Fight to create real change. Do it scared. Do it angry. Do it despite the doubt. Fight for those lying in hospital beds wishing they had the chance. Before we know it, this opportunity certainly will vanish into oblivion.
