The online video sharing and social media platform TikTok is integrated into the lives of college students throughout the U.S. While the popular app is a great way for young adults to share their campus life experiences, sometimes it can lead to trouble.
Higher usage of social media has meant disciplinary obstacles in the paths of academic careers for students. One report indicates that nearly 20 percent of denied or rescinded admissions offers rested their reasoning on unsavory social media profiles and posts. Consequently, many school campuses emphasize making a good impression online, and codes of conduct are written to sanction the slightest misconduct.
TikTok's Unintended Consequences
Numerous "hacks" and other TikTok videos show students how they may "get ahead" in the classroom. While cheating schemes aren't condoned, they represent an issue for a student who even watches them.
For example, the professor catches a few people in your class cheating, and your answers match theirs unbeknownst to you. The college has access to your computer history on the university network, and during their investigation process, they find that you watched a cheating "hack" on TikTok. Even if you didn't engage in any misconduct during the exam, you would most likely be called into question as part of the instance of group cheating.
Nearly all colleges and universities have similar computer use policies that allow school administrations to pull information about where the student has been online. Schools may monitor or store information on:
- Browsing history
- Contact lists
- Location data
- Search terms
- Personal information
- Videos created or watched on TikTok
Using a college's computer network is defined as a "privilege" at most institutions of higher education. Therefore, you risk disciplinary action for even viewing certain content.
TikTok Your Way Into Title IX
TikTok amplifies speech, causing a ripple effect that can make you go viral the wrong way. Situations usually leading to a slightly rowdy in-person exchange can quickly explode into Title IX misconduct online.
For instance, if you and some friends make a TikTok video excitedly supporting your school football team over another rival, and you depict the other team's quarterback negatively, your school may seek redress under Title IX harassment guidelines.
For schools under pressure via federal funding streams, joking around on TikTok may not appear like students having fun, but look like:
- Bullying
- Coercion
- Discrimination
- Threats
Students with Title IX misconduct allegations face a fast-paced and unforgiving grievance process that can quickly lead to a suspension or expulsion. TikTok posts can indeed cost you your educational future.
Get Off TikTok and Get Professional Help
TikTok may have tips and tricks on navigating college disciplinary action, but you'll only dig a deeper hole than you're already in. Fortunately, you have access to an experienced student defense advisor that understands how to negotiate with school officials when students take TikTok too far, keeping them intact with their studies.
If you or your child has run afoul of their school's TikTok, social media, or computer usage policy, call Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or visit the online consultation form. Your academic future depends on it.
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