As Americans settled in to enjoy the latest episode of *Saturday Night Live*, TikTok unexpectedly went offline in the U.S., leaving users bewildered. This abrupt shutdown occurred despite earlier assurances from the Biden administration that any possible ban wouldn’t be enacted until the new administration had officially taken office.

While numerous users felt the impact strongly, the world, naturally, continued its course. *SNL* proceeded as usual, offering its trademark humor even as the country collectively mourned the absence of the cherished app.

During the broadcast, cast member Michael Longfellow joined Weekend Update host Michael Che to discuss why TikTok’s vanishing resonated so profoundly. They deliberated the emotional repercussions, pointing out the irony that the app hadn’t even existed for that long.

As the dialogue progressed, the pair addressed the wider issues concerning data privacy and national security linked to China. However, Longfellow dismissed those concerns, claiming that TikTok had become a key part of daily life. “It teaches us things,” he remarked. “It diagnosed my ADHD. It diminished my mental health and attention span, but at least there was something to engage with.”

He wrapped up with a touching, albeit comedic, comment: “I know I had a life before TikTok. But that boy is gone.”