Why The TikTok Ban Might Be A Good Thing For Christians
“You know, TikTok is officially banned in the United States now.”
“Wait. No they reinstated it until a later date.”
“So; it’s still going away?”
“Yes. Well, maybe not. I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. They might sell it.”
Confusing, right? What was your reaction when you heard? What do you think about the future of TikTok, or the potential of it being shut down in the US? Do you care? Do you view it as an attack against your personal rights and freedoms? Maybe your first reaction is shock or frustration. After all, TikTok has become a staple for many Americans, with its endless stream of short videos and viral trends. Maybe you’re very nonchalant about it and just don’t care. Maybe you’re celebrating that another government has now been blocked from gathering users’ personal information. Whatever your reaction, I have another though. What if I told you this might actually be a good thing, especially for Christians? Let’s look into why I suggest this.
How Much Do Americans Use TikTok?
Before we get into why the ban might not be terrible, let’s talk about how much TikTok has embedded itself into our daily lives. Did you know that, as of 2025, TikTok had around 170 million monthly active users in the U.S.? On average, adult users spent 53.8 minutes a day on the app. That’s nearly an hour each day devoted to scrolling through an endless feed of content. Globally, the average time spent on TikTok is even higher—about 95 minutes a day. To put this into perspective, users worldwide open the app 20 times a day on average.
That’s a staggering amount of time. Multiply those daily minutes by weeks and months, and you’re looking at a significant chunk of your life. Americans post 34 million videos daily on the platform, and TikTok generates over 1 billion video views each day. The app is designed to keep you hooked, serving up an algorithm tailored to your preferences. It’s entertaining, no doubt, but it’s also incredibly consuming.
Why Was TikTok Banned in the U.S.?
The U.S. government’s decision to ban TikTok stemmed from concerns over national security and data privacy. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company, and lawmakers feared that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. With sensitive information like location data, browsing habits, and device details at stake, officials argued that the app posed a risk to U.S. security.
But beyond the political and security concerns, there’s another layer to consider—how apps like TikTok affect our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. And that’s where I want to focus.
Social Media Use vs. Bible Engagement
Here’s a question for you: How much time do you spend on social media compared to how much time you spend in prayer or reading the Bible? Let’s look at the numbers. While the average American spends close to 2.5 hours daily on social media, studies show that only 11% of Christians in the U.S. read their Bible daily. Even fewer dedicate significant time to prayer. Of that 11%, a significant portion of those only read for 3-5 minutes. Prayer; even less.
If we’re honest, it’s not hard to see the disparity. We have time to scroll, but finding time for Scripture seems challenging. Yet, the Bible is clear about the importance of disciples of Jesus immersing ourselves in God’s Word. Psalm 1:2-3 says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” If the psalmist would have written, “on Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube he meditates day and night,” we would be golden!
The contrast is striking. Social media often leaves us feeling drained, while time spent in Scripture equips and nourishes us.
The Problem of Social Media Addiction
Social media addiction is real, and it’s a growing problem. According to research, around 5-10% of social media users are considered addicted, meaning they experience withdrawal symptoms, neglect responsibilities, and have difficulty controlling their usage. Overuse of platforms like TikTok has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, especially among younger users.
The problem lies in how these platforms are designed. TikTok’s algorithm is built to reward your brain with dopamine hits every time you see something entertaining. Over time, this constant stimulation can make real-life experiences feel dull in comparison. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to guard our minds: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Are we filling our minds with what is honorable and pure, or are we letting the algorithm dictate our thoughts?
The Bible’s Call to Be Intentional
he Bible calls us to live intentionally, carefully considering what we allow into our minds and hearts. It emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds, being transformed by God's truth, and aligning our thoughts and actions with His will. Romans 12:2 urges believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." This passage highlights the tension between the world’s patterns—often passive, fleeting, and worldly—and the deeper, more purposeful life that Christ calls us to. The call is not just to avoid conformity to worldly values, but to actively renew our minds through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship, so that we might discern God’s will and live in a way that pleases Him.
In a world increasingly dominated by platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, the temptation to fall into a passive consumption of media is ever-present. The design of these platforms encourages endless scrolling, quick fixes of entertainment, and shallow engagement, with little thought given to the impact they have on our hearts and minds. We scroll, we laugh, we move on—often without considering what we're allowing to shape our thinking. However, as Christians, we are called to something much deeper. Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us to “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” This wisdom requires intentionality in how we use our time and energy, recognizing that every moment is a gift from God, and each moment can either be used for His glory or wasted in ways that hinder our spiritual growth.
The call to walk wisely is not just about avoiding obvious sins but about making deliberate choices that honor God. This includes how we engage with entertainment, social media, and even our own thoughts. When we spend hours mindlessly scrolling, we often miss opportunities to grow in our faith. We could be spending that time in prayer, reading the Bible, reflecting on God’s Word, or serving others. In fact, Psalm 1:1-2 reminds us that the blessed person delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. This suggests that rather than passively consuming content, we are called to actively engage with God’s Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions.
We are also reminded in 1 Corinthians 10:31 that “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This is a call to align every aspect of our lives—every moment, every activity, every thought—under the lordship of Christ. If we are not intentional with our time, we risk allowing our lives to be shaped by the world’s fleeting and often shallow values rather than by the enduring truths of God’s Word.
Think about how much time has been spent mindlessly scrolling when we could have been engaging in meaningful activities—praying, meditating on Scripture, growing in our relationship with God, or serving others. While entertainment is not inherently wrong, it’s important to evaluate how we are spending our time. Are we being good stewards of the precious gift of time God has given us? Are we being intentional about the content we consume and the impact it has on our hearts and minds? As Jesus warned in Matthew 6:22-23, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” What we expose ourselves to shapes our inner life and ultimately influences how we live out our faith.
In this age of endless entertainment and distractions, the Bible calls us to be intentional in our choices. By making the best use of our time, we align ourselves with God's will and allow His Word to transform our lives. It’s not just about avoiding passivity—it’s about choosing purpose. We are to be people who actively seek to honor God in everything, including how we use the platforms and technologies available to us.
The Danger of Distraction
I recently wrote an article exploring this very issue, and I encourage you to check it out HERE. One of the most pressing dangers of excessive social media use, especially platforms like TikTok, is the overwhelming sense of distraction they create. These platforms thrive on pulling our attention in a million different directions, bombarding us with content designed to engage us but rarely in ways that contribute to our spiritual growth. As followers of Christ, we are called to focus on eternal matters, and yet, the noise of the world, especially through these digital channels, drowns out the still, small voice of God. The Bible reminds us of this priority in Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” This verse challenges us to redirect our focus from the fleeting distractions of this world toward the lasting, eternal truths of God’s kingdom.
But distraction isn’t just about wasted time. It’s about missed opportunities—opportunities to grow deeper in our relationship with God, to serve others, and to share our faith. How many moments could we have spent in prayer, seeking God’s will for our lives or interceding for others, but instead, we find ourselves scrolling aimlessly through endless videos or posts that do nothing to nourish our souls? Each time we choose distraction, we forfeit opportunities to experience the presence of God in our everyday lives.
Moreover, how many conversations about faith, encouragement, or accountability have we missed because we were distracted by the next post or the next notification? Imagine the person at work who needed a word of encouragement or a prayer in their time of struggle, but we were too absorbed in the latest viral trend to notice. Or consider the missed opportunity to serve in our communities because we were too caught up in the virtual world to notice a tangible need right in front of us. Jesus frequently called His followers to be present in the moment, to look for opportunities to love and serve those around them (Matthew 25:40). Yet, when we’re distracted by the constant stream of digital content, we often miss those moments of grace.
This isn’t just a matter of time management; it’s a matter of spiritual discipline. Just as Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray and focus on His Father (Mark 1:35), we too must create space in our lives to focus on what truly matters. While social media itself isn’t inherently sinful, the way it consumes our attention and time can keep us from fulfilling our calling to be disciples who love God and love others with intentionality. When our minds and hearts are consistently distracted by things that are temporary and insignificant, we lose sight of what God is doing in our lives and in the world.
Distraction, in this sense, is more than a nuisance—it’s a thief. It steals our focus, our time, and our opportunities to grow in Christlikeness. And as we become more spiritually distracted, we may find ourselves drifting away from our call to be salt and light in the world. But the good news is that through intentionality and discipline, we can reclaim our focus. By setting our minds on things above, we make room for the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, enabling us to live out our faith with purpose, even in the midst of a distracted world.
The Dangers of Getting News from Social Media
Another issue is how many people rely on social media for news. TikTok, in particular, has become a source of information for millions. But the platform’s content isn’t vetted or fact-checked, leading to the spread of misinformation. Proverbs 18:15 says, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” As believers, we’re called to seek truth and discernment, not blindly consume whatever is presented to us.
A Call to Greater Things
The ban on TikTok, though frustrating for some, is actually a hidden opportunity—an invitation to step back, take a deep breath, and re-evaluate how we’ve been spending our time and energy. It’s so easy to get caught up in the scrolling, the likes, the endless stream of content, but this is a perfect moment to reset, to hit pause, and reflect on what really matters in our lives as Christians. When things like this happen, it can feel like a loss, but sometimes, these challenges are actually blessings in disguise, meant to nudge us back to the things that are eternal.
We’ve all been there—spending hours scrolling through videos that bring us little more than a momentary laugh or a distraction from reality. It’s almost second nature now, isn’t it? But here’s the thing: we are not called to be passive consumers of content; we are called to be active, intentional disciples of Christ. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus gives us a crystal-clear directive: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This doesn’t just apply to our material needs; it also applies to the time and attention we give to things that pull us away from what truly matters. When we prioritize God's kingdom—His will, His word, His ways—we experience the fullness of His provision, both spiritually and practically. That means when we make space in our lives for prayer, Bible study, and purposeful living, everything else falls into its proper place.
Imagine, for a moment, if we took all the hours we spent scrolling through TikTok and invested them in things that build our faith. Imagine using that time to dive into the Word of God, to really study the Scriptures, to understand what God is saying to us through His Word. We could be meditating on passages like Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” allowing God’s truth to guide our decisions and shape our thoughts. Or perhaps, we could spend more time in prayer—praying for our families, our friends, our communities, and our world. Philippians 4:6 encourages us to "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Imagine the peace and clarity we would experience if we gave God more of our attention in this way.
Now, take a second to think about the impact this could have. If we spent our time pursuing spiritual growth, it wouldn't just change our own lives. It would transform our relationships too. Our families would be stronger, our marriages more intentional, and our parenting more rooted in biblical wisdom. It’s in these moments of deep spiritual investment that we’re able to give others the best of ourselves. I’m reminded of Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where God tells us, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” If we fill our hearts and minds with God's Word, we can pass that wisdom on to the next generation, shaping their lives and their future.
But it doesn’t stop there. Just think about the ripple effect that would have on our communities. What if, instead of investing hours into fleeting entertainment, we used that time to serve others? Jesus was clear in Matthew 25:40 when He said, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” By refocusing our attention on people—on serving the hurting, the lost, the broken—we participate in the mission of Christ. What could we accomplish as a body of believers if we invested our time, energy, and resources into spreading the love of Jesus in tangible ways, instead of getting sucked into the latest viral video?
The reality is, TikTok's ban might sting for a while. We might feel disconnected or miss out on what’s trending. But could this be an opportunity to re-align our lives with God’s greater purpose for us? It’s a reminder that our lives aren’t meant to be lived distracted and passive. We are called to be intentional about what we allow into our hearts and minds. As Romans 12:2 challenges us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This transformation comes when we intentionally focus on what is eternal—the truth of God's Word, the power of prayer, and the call to love and serve others.
So, instead of mourning the loss of TikTok, let's take this as a sign to reset and refocus. Let's not let distractions pull us away from the life God has called us to. Let’s make a conscious choice to use our time for things that truly matter—things that will shape us into the disciples God desires us to be. Let’s fill our minds with God’s truth, seek first His kingdom, and trust that as we do, everything else will fall into place.