Featured Image Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, TikTok, Social Media, News
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, TikTok, Social Media, News
Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to 'save TikTok' following its previous deadline.
For some context, the platform faced a US-based ban back in January after it's parent company, ByteDance, had failed to locate a new buyer.
TikTok and ByteDance were accused by American officials of being a 'national security risk' and having links to the Chinese government, which both denied.
After all that, the platforms were given a deadline of January 19 to find a non-Chinese buyer or face being banned, and soon enough, the day came and nothing had progressed - leading to the app to be shut down.
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But, as we now know, such a decision was only temporary as TikTok received a last minute reprieve from Donald Trump, who ended up delaying the deadline by 75 days with an executive order he signed in his first few hours in office.
And now, in the latest update of the saga, the 78-year-old Republican has now extended the deadline once again.
He announced the new on his social media platform, Truth Social, this afternoon (4 April).
"My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress," he wrote, "The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days.
"We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs (Necessary for Fair and Balanced Trade between China and the U.S.A.!)."
Trump concluded the announcement adding: "This proves that Tariffs are the most powerful Economic tool, and very important to our National Security! We do not want TikTok to 'go dark'.
"We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Speaking exclusively to Tyla, psychologist Dannielle Haig said that a sudden ban could initially feel unsettling for many 'as TikTok has provided comfort, distraction, and community'.
According to the expert, people might experience anxiety or frustration due to the loss of something that has been a daily habit or source of connection.
"However, don’t worry, most people will adapt pretty quickly and shift their attention to other activities or platforms," she added.
Dannielle says a TikTok will 'definitely' impact those with an 'addiction' to the app.
"People who use TikTok heavily get regular dopamine hits from scrolling, which is why it's so addictive," she notes. "When that suddenly disappears, genuine withdrawal symptoms could show up such as irritability, restlessness, moodiness, and even anxiety.
"The good news is these symptoms usually ease off quite quickly, as the brain adjusts to life without constant stimulation."