Why Banning TikTok Won't Stop the Spread of Its Addictive Format Across the Internet
By
Anyron Copeman
Summary
The article argues that banning TikTok or social media for under-16s (as the UK is doing) is ultimately ineffective because the "TikTokification" of other platforms—the widespread adoption of short-form, vertical video content designed for maximum engagement—has already infected nearly every major social media platform. This trend is making the internet worse for everyone, not just children, by shortening attention spans, prioritizing addictive content over quality, and homogenizing the digital experience. The core problem isn't TikTok itself but its runaway success and the fact that competitors have copied its addictive formula.
Source
Key quotes
· 4 pulledThe TikTokification of other platforms threatens to undermine many of the positive effects of social media bans.
The internet is growing worse for all of us.
The TikTok brand is so synonymous with short-form vertical video that almost everyone knows what it means.
The problem with TikTok is that it's too successful - and it's been too often copied.
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