The TikTok app typically invites rather strong reactions. While some of us dismiss the silly videos as awful and inconsequential, others think they can become a dangerous preoccupation. We have attempted to ban TikTok and even heard about a TikTok film festival. Now it seems that the hugely popular Chinese video-making platform is trying to make a difference; with an initiative to educate users and make them more responsible netizens.
Much of the negativity online owes itself to posts made in the heat of the moment and often without giving much thought to the consequences of what we say and post. Reflect before posting is what TikTok is telling people to do. Be expressive, but not explicit.
Is it true? Is it worth sharing? These are questions that are vital to ask before we post or share anything. We now know that the spread of false or doctored videos and other fake news can literally claim lives. Don’t we owe it to ourselves to be more responsible? What if one day someone decided to make up a false story about you or doctored your video and people shared this widely and indiscriminately? Do give it a thought.
Social media can spur us to do things simply to appear cool: dangerous selfies and daring videos that could actually threaten life and limb. This TikTok video urges people to #WaitASecToReflect before they perform a stunt that could land them in the hospital or even have permanent consequences.
Much of what we say online is by way of expressing our opinion. This is fair enough and in the spirit of democracy, all of us have the right to express our views. But can we be civil while we go about it? Can we use non-abusive language, argue on facts rather than make personal attacks, steer clear of whataboutery and obfuscation of facts? Let’s argue on merits and refrain from hostility – so there is no ill-feeling. This makes for constructive debate.
Are we so immersed in our devices that it is excluding real human contact and genuine interaction? Are we ignoring the living in favour of the ego-massaging exercise of seeking social media approval?
Hopefully, the short videos will make people think a little and perhaps even influence their online behaviour and make it more responsible and mature.
However, some have questioned the motivation behind the #WaitASecToReflect campaign by TikTok, which has been under the government scanner. TikTok has also received flak for giving a platform to communal and hateful voices. This image of TikTok is not advertiser-friendly right now. This campaign appears to be an exercise in image building and a way to increase revenues. TikTok itself insists that this is a public service initiative; that aims to make the online space safer. Well, if in the process of self-preservation/enrichment, TikTok does in fact also have a positive impact on online behaviour, that is win-win.
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