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Is TikTok getting banned in the US? It’s the question that’s on every social media user’s mind right now. As the country prepares for a changing of the guard with a new administration, anything could happen. But what impact would this have on our safety, security, and society?

Charles Palmer, Program Lead for Interactive Media at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU), has a few things to say about this development and its potential impact on culture and cybersecurity.

“TikTok has become a significant third-space space for people to express themselves through art, music, comedy, and storytelling,” says Professor Palmer. “This ban would stifle this form of creative exploration and self-expression. Similarly, it also provides a tool for escapism. Both the loss of expression and a tool for unwinding could result in increased levels of stress and frustration. TikTok has nurtured niche communities and subcultures that foster a sense of belonging. Losing access could leave young people disconnected from those spaces. Additionally, young people increasingly use TikTok for news, learning tips, and advice on topics ranging from mental health to career development. A ban could limit access to this alternative educational content.”

If TikTok gets banned in America, casual users won’t be the only ones affected.

“Individuals and small businesses rely on the platform as a source of income, a steppingstone for careers in content creation, and free or low-cost marketing. Currently there are no alternatives that meet these needs, which will disrupt entrepreneurial opportunities for these entities.”

This ongoing conversation pulls together voter concerns ranging from freedom of speech to national security to economic protectionism. Want to know more about where things may be headed? Let’s set up an interview and talk it over.

is the Program Lead for Interactive Media and the Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies at Harrisburg University. He has coordinated the High School Gaming Academy, served as a mentor, worked with students on the development of client-based projects, and served as a consultant to Central PA media outlets as a technology and social media expert.

Teaching & Research Interests:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
• Digital design
• Collegiate and professional esports
• Game and simulation design and development
• Data visualization
• Sentiment analysis
• Motion graphics, 3D modeling, and visual effects

MEDIA CONTACT

To set up an interview with Professor Palmer about the TikTok ban or another topic related to interactive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), data visualization, or digital design, please reach out to Jessica Warren, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, at [email protected] or 717.901.5159.

ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY

 (HU) is the , according to US Â鶹´«Ã½ & World Report. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email [email protected]. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on , , , and .