“You can never understand one language until you understand at least two”
by Geoffrey Willans
With today’s technology, communication feels both easier and more complex than ever. The start of 2025 brought some unexpected shifts, including the announcement that the popular app TikTok might be leaving us. For many, this wasn’t just a minor inconvenience—it felt like a significant loss. TikTok wasn’t just a “silly app.” It became a unique space to communicate, share, learn, and connect.
TikTok functioned as a living, breathing diary—a platform where you could respond to others, share publicly or privately, vent, or grow a business. There’s nothing quite like it, and its potential absence reminds me of the rise and fall of other platforms I’ve lived through.
I started with MySpace in high school (remember Tom in his white T-shirt?), learning how to customize profiles with music, journal entries, and a “Top 8” friends list. Then there were quieter platforms like private blogs or forums where you could write and comment with friends. Facebook took over in college, introducing a new way to connect, network, and share life updates. LinkedIn became the professional space to showcase achievements and connect with professors and potential employers, evolving into a place for posts, articles, and business networking.
Then came Instagram and Snapchat, offering visual and ephemeral communication, and eventually Musical.ly, which transformed into TikTok. TikTok stood out by allowing for visual blogs, real-time responses, and a chance to connect deeply through creativity.
I used TikTok not only for fun but also for work. It became a tool to learn, understand trends clients were talking about, and even help discern fact from opinion in session discussions. It was also a place to decompress, share interests, and grow. Even though I wasn’t great at editing or creating, TikTok made it accessible and enjoyable.
When the ban hit for those 12 hours, it made me pause and think about the future of online communication. How will we adapt if TikTok leaves for good? It’s a reminder to take care of ourselves in times of transition. Here are a few ideas:
- Make a list of other ways to connect and communicate with friends and communities.
- Follow your favorite creators on other apps.
- Download those recipes, tips, or videos you want to keep!
- Explore “old-school” methods of communication—like writing letters. There’s something genuinely special about sending and receiving mail.
The way we communicate online will keep evolving, but we’ll find ways to stay connected, just as we always have. What’s your favorite way to communicate online? What platforms have shaped your journey? Let’s talk about it!
