Written by Rachel Murphy

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The Story

TikTok is still in limbo, but many people are missing the point of why it’s so valuable.

I used to be an avid TikTok user. While I never posted videos, I often participated in the comments. When I heard it might be shutting down on January 19, I made sure to log on and see it off. I wasn’t alone.

Millions of people gathered on the app during what they thought were its final days, sharing a full range of emotions: grief, nostalgia, disbelief, and more. But the platform wasn’t just about entertainment or viral videos. It was about connection.

People weren’t mourning just the app itself but the loss of a deeply supportive and interactive community. TikTok gave its users something more—relationships, mutual support, and a sense of belonging. For so many, it was a space where they felt seen and heard.

That night, something unexpected happened. The app began shutting down earlier than planned for many users, cutting people off mid-conversation during live streams. For reasons I still don’t fully understand, I wasn’t affected. Perhaps because of my time living abroad, I was able to stay on longer and witness the full arc of what unfolded.

Panic and sadness rippled across the platform as people realized what was happening. When the last American live stream went dark, a new phrase emerged: “So the Americans are gone.” Video after video, people worldwide tried to process what they had just witnessed, how it would affect their communities, and what a future without American users might look like.

Why does any of this matter? While media outlets have focused on the algorithm, national security, or viral trends, they often overlook something deeper. TikTok was a third space.

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg described a third space as a place outside of home and work where people connect, build community, and feel like they belong. While Oldenburg’s work focused on physical spaces like parks or coffee shops, TikTok showed us that digital spaces can serve the same purpose.

This is why it’s no surprise that reports emerged of people paying between $2,000 and $50,000 for phones with TikTok still installed. For many, TikTok wasn’t just an app. It was a lifeline.

Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has long warned of a growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Platforms like TikTok have filled that void for many people, providing a place to belong in an increasingly disconnected world.

Whether TikTok returns or not, the need for community won’t go away. Platforms like TikTok remind us how crucial it is to have spaces where we can belong. This isn’t just about technology or social media. It’s about addressing a fundamental human need.