The Potential Impact of a TikTok Ban on Local Influencers and Businesses in Boston

Title: TikTok Ban Threatens Careers of Social Media Influencers in Boston

When Michelle “Shell” Rodriguez sits down at Matsunori Handroll Bar, she isn’t just taking video of her sushi for fun. Her videos, which get thousands of views, helps bring in new customers to businesses in Boston.

Rodriguez, a full-time social media content creator, has built a following of over 24,000 on TikTok by showcasing local restaurants and businesses. However, with the recent signing of a bill by President Joe Biden that could potentially force TikTok to be sold or banned in the United States, Rodriguez and other influencers are facing uncertainty about the future of their careers.

If a TikTok ban were to come into effect, Rodriguez, who also works with Night Shift Brewing in Everett, where she was born and raised, may have to reconsider her entire career. The ban could have a significant impact on her personal and professional life, as TikTok has become her full-time job and passion.

The provision in the bill gives TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell the app with a potential three more months if a sale is in progress. This means there’s still a full year before a ban could potentially go into effect.

Rodriguez, who initially joined TikTok as a hobby at the start of 2020, found success in showcasing local businesses and helping them stay afloat during challenging times. She believes that TikTok plays a crucial role in the success of businesses in the modern age.

Other influencers, like Joseph “Joey” Joseph Calcavecchia Jr., who goes by The Roaming Foodie on Instagram and TikTok, have also seen the positive impact of the platform on small businesses. Calcavecchia’s videos have helped bring exposure to various hot spots across New England, driving traffic and interest to these establishments.

If a TikTok ban were to pass, small businesses could suffer the most, as influencers like Rodriguez and Calcavecchia play a vital role in promoting and supporting local establishments. The ban could also impact the livelihoods of content creators who rely on TikTok for their income and career opportunities.

While some influencers are exploring alternative platforms like Threads and YouTube shorts, the potential loss of TikTok could have a significant impact on their ability to reach a wide audience and support local businesses.

As the future of TikTok remains uncertain, influencers like Rodriguez and Calcavecchia are left wondering about the next steps in their careers. The possibility of branching out into food festivals or developing their own products is being considered as a way to adapt to potential changes in the social media landscape.

For now, these influencers are hoping for a resolution that allows them to continue doing what they love and supporting the businesses that rely on their promotion. The impact of a TikTok ban on the social media landscape and the livelihoods of content creators remains to be seen.