ban – The Western Howl

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Content warning: this article contains mentions of suicide

With Inauguration Day right around the corner, many Americans are keeping a close eye on Jan. 19. Recently, the Supreme Court has weighed whether TikTok is considered safe for Americans. This hot topic has one wondering how the app currently affects its users. Just like any other social media platform, it has its benefits and its faults — but a deeper look into the app might provide some clarity on its effects.

TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short form content. Gen Z and millennials alike flocked to the app when it went viral back in 2018. Many of its current users argue that TikTok needs to remain untouched by the federal government because their intervention would be a violation of the First Amendment. Indeed, TikTok has connected the world in a way like no other platform. Its ability to give anyone a voice and possibly have it reach millions of people is very enticing. Anyone can become an advocate and spread awareness to the masses, unlike other platforms like Instagram or Facebook, whicho rely more on follower count, celebrity status or celebrity endorsement.

Another reason for TikTok’s popularity is its plethora of niche communities, or safe spaces. Many users are able to easily connect with others who share similar interests, lifestyles, sexual orientations, values and so forth. With the app mainly enjoyed by younger generations, many communities are able to freely share their experiences.

While a ban may feel like a major loss for many, it could potentially serve as a turning point for social media culture. TikTok has come under scrutiny for its lack of regulations on handling the exposure of cyberbullying and inappropriate content. There are major concerns of the negative effects of TikTok’s algorithm, one of which being that it provides a sense of instant gratification. With a single swipe of a finger, a user is exposed to a variety of content, helping the system learn what the user is interested in. In a short period of time, the algorithm provides content that a user wants to engage in. With this, a user can spend hours on the app not realizing how much time has passed. A ban would encourage Americans to take a break from their screens.

Another reason why a ban might be beneficial is that TikTok can push inappropriate or harmful content. TikTok cannot keep up with the amount of content that its creators push out. With a younger audience, users can be exposed to obscene content such as indecent exposure, crime, self-harm and extreme violence.

Lastly, TikTok is just like any other platform. There are harmful trends and unrealistic beauty standards that get pushed towards its young and impressionable audience. With cyberbullying running rampant, and TikTok helping just about anyone go viral, it can fall to the toxic, and at times dangerous, side of the app. With poor mental health and, sadly, suicide happening at an alarming rate, the question remains: has TikTok done more good than harm? Should Americans accept the loss of their favorite app?

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

Dogs have been man’s best friend for hundreds of years, but when it comes to pit bulls and bullies, they’ve come to accumulate some of the worst reputations among all dog breeds.

Pit bulls and bull-mixed breeds make up over 50% of the canines in pounds. The misunderstood breed is most often overlooked and left sitting in the cages watching their fellow dogs get chosen over them repeatedly. Out of the 1.2 million dogs that are euthanized every year, 40% of them are pit bulls or pit bull mixes.

Pit bulls are continuously discriminated against, not just in the United States, but all across the world. The United Kingdom enacted the “Dangerous Dog Act” that bans the breeding, selling or giving away of medium to extra large size dog breeds, including the pit bull and bully. Owners had until Feb. 1, 2023 to register them or be charged with a criminal offense. These dogs are also not allowed in public without a muzzle and lead. Many in the U.S. fear the government will also follow suit and ban these breeds as well.

The dangerous dog ban garnered an outcry from dog and pit bull lovers all across the world — many citing the defense of animal rights and owner responsibility.

Pit bulls have been trained to be fighting dogs — emphasis on trained, not born to be. Pit bulls are low maintenance, easy to train, loyal, have large personalities and are known as “nanny dogs” as they have strong instincts to comfort and protect their loved ones.

84% of these breeds that were reported in dog attacks were also reported being neglected or abused. The behavior of an animal is always a reflection of the owner.

Common Law rules make owners liable for their animals when they neglect them or know their dog is dangerous but have not attempted to change their behavior. This has not yet encouraged many dog owners to properly train their dogs and 4.5 million people in the U.S. are attacked by dogs every year. Many of these owners face little to no punishment and are often cited with a ticket to pay. In order to really encourage change, there needs to be more severe punishments for neglectful owners where they should face jail time or not be allowed to own any animals again.

Pit bulls are extremely loyal and intelligent dogs, so consistent, gentle training will ensure a non-aggressive best friend. It’s also essential to get them interacting with animals and humans alike as soon as possible; dogs have a great sense of fear so if one is afraid of allowing them around others, then they will be afraid just the same. Most importantly, before adopting a dog, think about if one has the time and patience to take care of said dog. If one can’t raise a young child, then raising a dog should be out of the question..

Pit bulls are living, breathing, loving creatures that deserve a happy and healthy life just like the rest of us. Their loyalty to the human race despite the decades of mistreatment shows these dogs are truly angels.

Let’s put an end to pit bull discrimination and bring an era of fighting for the rights of our most loyal best friends.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

TikTok ban: Beneficial or harmful?

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