Goodbye TikTok (For Real This Time)

Goodbye, TikTok - for real this time. 

I joined TikTok in 2020 just for fun. I had a lot of enjoyment on the website, and I was truly saddened by the temporary TikTok ban in January 2025. During the ban, I deleted the app, and was consequently unable to re-download the app until several weeks later. I was happy to be back, but something in me knew that it wouldn't be forever. 

Tonight, I opened TikTok for the first time in days. A notice about the app's new privacy policy filled the screen. I knew TikTok was in the process of going through some major changes in ownership and operation, but this notice caught me by surprise. It was in that moment that I knew that the time had come to delete my account. 

It was not an easy decision, and I am still going back and forth about my final choice. On one hand, I did not want to miss out on popular trends and content, and I currently feel a bit of grief because of the fun I once had on the app. However, TikTok hasn't been the same since the temporary ban. I recognized that I stopped posting like I used to, and I was not interested in reverting to that state once more. These changes compounded with the new privacy policy was all the motivation I needed to take the plunge.

In conclusion, it was time to step away from TikTok. My account was deactivated tonight. Thanks to those of you who followed me on TikTok. It was fun while it lasted.