#but the internet has always been damaging to children on some level. tiktok is not a new phenomenon.

[ectojester]

Not to be that person but most of those things were already happening before tiktok became popular? The homogenization of the internet, the shortening of attention spans (though I'll admit that tiktok has probably exacerbated this issue), increasing anti-intellectualism, pirating sites being exposed, racist algorithms, popularization of anti-aging markets, dangerous teenage challenges, filming strangers in public, etc. All of these things were already happening in abundance on Instagram, YouTube, and yes, even our beloved tumblr. Tiktok did not invent these problems, it arguably hasn't made them any bigger, and people complain about them now just like they did back then. These are social media problems, not tiktok problems.

hating tiktok is not a "back in my day" type thing. tiktok is objectively affecting other social media platforms in detrimental ways. ux elements are being stripped and everything has to have a fucking short video clips function. it's rampant homogenization and it's a problem

[khadgarbignaturals]

i know tumblr has a strong anti-tiktok bias which is entirely fair but bear with me on this

with the continued genocide of palestinian people, like every social media platform has a ton of people trying to boost content to raise money for families escaping gaza, tiktok is much the same. there’s a sight problem though; tiktok does not like people trying to boost content like that, so tiktokers have been finding ways around it. the main one is content creators starting fake beef with each other to get people hooked in for some juicy tea (which tiktok’s algorithm likes) and then hit ‘em with the go fund me link to the family they’re helping. also the watermelon 🍉 emoji has become a symbol of being pro palestine.

i think this is really cool! but it’s brought smth up that i’ve been thinking for a while in relation to how people on tumblr view tiktok. this is not hate, this is not criticism, this is just something to think about

i’ve been on tiktok since 2018 so i’ve seen a lot of shit including how the app has transformed over the years. one of these things is the growing censorship of “controversial topics” like racism/homophobia/etc. there wasn’t really much restriction on content for a while but in 2020 that changed. the black lives matter protests spread like wildfire on tiktok because news outlets we not reporting what was actually happening, or not acknowledging it at all beyond surface level shit. during that time i got information and news about the protests through tiktok users on site at and participating in protests because we just couldn’t trust any major news outlet (and honestly even some tiktok users with large accounts).

the censorship started to really take off because tiktok didn’t want those kinds of videos gaining traction, and did not want people organizing through the app. there are any number of reasons for this, but it’s not really relevant. regardless of why, tiktok started suppressing or removing videos that have the “problem words” in them (including comments). some of these “problem words” are: death, kill, names of any drug, boost, comments mentioning boosting the video to raise awareness of something, etc.

over the years tiktokers have adapted to this, from substituting letters, using similar but disinfected words (like the famous “unalive”), and even speaking in code to get around the increasingly strict content moderations. some examples are: “gardening” instead of smoking weed, k!ll, di3 (and other l33tspeak), 🔗🌲 instead of linktree, etc.

the problem most people have with tiktok users is when they’re outside tiktok. a lot of the criticism of these people is definitely valid, but the extent has always given me a little pause. a lot of these tiktokers that people make fun of the behavior of are children and teenagers. they tend to be chronically online, have very little conception of privacy and online barriers, form parasocial relationships, etc. this stuff is all true, but why?

these kids have spent a huge chunk of their formative years interacting mostly online because of covid. theyve been dunked headfirst into the internet in a way that has really damaged their social skills, hence them being called “chronically online.”

my point here is to just get people thinking about tiktok itself in addition to its users. its users are the way they are because of the platform they’re on, and tiktok as a platform itself fucking sucks. we all know twitter (i’m not calling it x) is a dumpster fire, tumblr staff sucks, facebook is, well, facebook, you get my point. the absurdity of the censorship on tiktok shouldn’t be overlooked.

[castingdirect]

NATIONAL RAPE DAY: It Don't Exist And Women's Charities Slam Sickening TikTok Video Encouraging Attacks

NATIONAL RAPE DAY: It Don't Exist And Women's Charities Slam Sickening TikTok Video Encouraging Attacks 'On Women' On 'National Rape Day' Sexual violence victim charities have slammed reports of a TikTok video claiming to show men promoting 'National Rape Day' with the news coming not long after Falmouth University announced a Whatsapp group encouraging people to be out and attacking women on Saturday night. Women have been warned to stay indoors after the rumours of the stomach-churning threats for 24th April 2021 were released on the popular video sharing app. The alleged clip has been blasted by charities after the hashtag #April24 has been viewed more than 62 million times, with hundreds of thousands of videos. Whilst the original clip is believed to have been pulled down, and some reports that it didn't exist at al, it has still sparked panic and a plethora of online warnings. Most people are advising women to lock their doors and even stay at home all day whilst other accounts are offering self help and self-defence tips. One campaigner described the idea of a 'National Rape Day' - where laws are supposed to be suspended and rape is legal - as 'abhorrent'. Katie Russell from Rape Crisis England & Wales, said: 'Our understanding is that this disturbing so-called "trend" on TikTok began as a hoax, and no evidence has been found of the original video threatening a national day of sexual violence in the USA.' 'Regardless of its origins, or whether it was intended as a "joke" at any point, the very concept of such a day is abhorrent and has caused many people, particularly women and girls, a great deal of understandable fear.' 'The "trend" will no doubt have also been extremely distressing for many, and least of all victims and survivors of rape and all forms of sexual violence and abuse who might have vivid memories and flashbacks to past experiences triggered by this.' And she continued: 'Obviously, despite on particular piece of misinformation that has featured in this so-called "trend", there is no day or moment where laws are suspended and rape is legal in the USA or anywhere else in the world.' 'Rape and sexual assault are always serious crimes.' 'It should also go without saying that rape and all forms of sexual violence and abuse are traumatic experiences that can and do have a wide-ranging and long-lasting impact, and are never appropriate topics to "joke" about.' 'This episode reminds us of the ongoing need for us to collectively challenge, resist and dismantle the damaging, sexist "rape culture" that still exists in our society.' Andrea Simon, Director of End Violence Against Women Coalition said: 'Regardless of whether this is a hoax or not, we know of the use of threats of sexual violence and derogatory comments about women's appearance and bodies are very common forms of online abuse that women are subject to.' 'We wouldn't accept threats to rape offline and we can't ignore them online. They intend to intimidate and silence women in online spaces, causing real harm to individuals and to society and should never be tolerated.' 'Tech companies and social media platforms have a duty to remove such content, but currently this self-regulation isn't good enough, with too much onus on women to take steps to protect themselves online instead.' 'This needs to change, those using the internet to threaten and abuse women need to be identified and stopped.' UNACCEPTABLE Women's Aid have slammed the online reports calling it an 'affront'. Farah Nazeer Chief Executive at Women's Aid said; 'We know from our work with domestic abuse survivors that rape and sexual assault are used by the perpetrator to belittle, humiliate, coerce and control.' 'It takes a lot of strength and courage to report rape to the police and we know the justice system is failing rape survivors. We urgently need to reform the criminal justice system to deliver justice for survivors and to ensure accountability of the police and other services.' 'The go0vernment and all the institutions that shape our attitudes - as well as society as a whole - must work together to achieve long-term culture shifts. Whether this is a hoax or not is irrelevant - rape is an unacceptable violation and it is no joke.' 'That a "rape day" could be conceived as a joke brings home the level of change we need in our society. It is an affront to every woman. It also demonstrates the urgent need for improved education on issues such as consent and healthy relationships.' 'Every woman has the right to live a life free from abuse and violence.' Social media users have shared warnings about the unsettling videos. One user, under the name la.tania.ftn2 said: 'So I literally just saw a video on TikTok, and I had to make a video myself because most of my followers are women. And i need to make sure you guys are aware that there is a video gong around on TikTok of disgusting men - rapists, child molesters, predators, just disgusting human beings, and they literally came up with a date to go around and rape women and children. You literally heard me right, women and children.' Another, who goes by prettyboy365 said: 'April 24 has stupidly been made national rape day. Yeah, believe it, because it's real. Unfortunately whoever created it is very low minded and sickened in the brain. If you make any plans, stay inside or don't make any plans at all. For your safety. There are actually sick people who will go through with this rape thing and hurt people, so it's probably best to stay indoors. If you do go out, don't go alone and keep self-defence items on you.' Rumours of the video have also spread on WhatsApp groups with students in Cornwall saying they are afraid to go outside. A spokesperson for Falmouth University said any messages encouraging sexual violence were 'abhorrent' but there was 'no evidence' of a genuine threat. Devon and Cornwall Police are looking into claims around the encrypted chat which has reportedly been discussing 'Rape Day'. A force spokesperson said: 'Police have received report of the existence of the WhatsApp group and are currently making enquiries regarding the credibility of the group.' 'DISTURBING SO-CALLED TREND' TikTok have claimed it cannot locate the original video but has asked users to report any content related to the sick day. A spokesperson for the platform said: 'The supposed "National Rape Day" trend reported upon is abhorrent and would be a direct violation of our Community Guidelines, and while we haven't seen evidence of this trending on our platform, our safety team remains vigilant and would remove any such content.' Atilla Tomaschek, a digital privacy researcher at ProPrivacy, said: 'Although it seems unlikely that TikTok video actually exists, that the whole thing is just a horrible internet hoax, a type of sick joke, the concern it has caused is real.' 'It's apparent that most of the buzz is being created by users warning others about the purported plans for a national rape day and urging them to stay safe and remain vigilant, but the trend demonstrates how quickly something can spread on social media, and the real-life panic it can cause.' 'It's also a strong reminder for parents and educators of the sometimes harmful impact of social media, particularly where younger users are concerned.' 'Remember teens can join TikTok from their thirteenth birthday as per the platform's terms and conditions.' TikTok users are being urged to report any posts promoting the event or sexual assault of any kind. If you have been upset, worried, or triggered by this story, you can find help at www.rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help FALMOUTH, ENGLAND: Locals And Business Owners Rally To Protect Its Own After Sexual Assault Threats On TikTok The police in Falmouth have confirmed they are investigating an alleged 'TikTok hoax' while local business owners are preparing for the worst by planning on lighting the dark local streets. The town is rallying around to make the women feel safe as police confirmed they are investigating talks of a threatened sexual assault spree in the town. It follows a series of messages sent to many young people across the Falmouth University community which told of a large group of male students threatening to compete to sexually assault the most women. Falmouth University said the messages were a 'hoax' started on the social video sharing platform TikTok, but the phenomenon has left young women in the area - including the Penryn Campus shared with the University of Exeter - shaken and fearful. The messages revolved around the idea that on Saturday, 24th April, 2021, male students would engage in 'national rape day' to see how many women they could assault. Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that the force was told about a WhatsApp group where it was allegedly being organised. A spokesperson said the police are 'currently making enquiries regarding the credibility of the group'. Nonetheless, the students have said they feel uneasy about going outside because of it and are visibly shook up. Acting student Hannah Bunker, 21, said: 'Whether it's true or not, it's fear-inducing. We don't need even more stress bout walking alone. All it does is make my fear and anxiety worse, whether it's happening or not. Men need to understand that taking a "joke too far" has serious effects on people.' Jade Phipps, Manager of Good Vibes Café on Killigrew Street in Falmouth, said she - along with Partner and Café Owner Dan Rossiter - decided to leave the lights on across the evening in question. They are encouraging others to do the same to keep the town's streets safer and more welcoming after the rapid spread locally on social media. Ms Phipps said: 'We always think about what we can do for the community, so we want to offer a safe space for people in the town, and act as a port of call. A lot of the places are closed, so it is dark, so we can be there to help - or just be a light left on in solidarity.' Ms Phipps said the spread of 'a national rape day' hoax brought to the surface very real fears about sexual violence against women. Referring to the fact that Falmouth University have dubbed the rumours a 'hoax', she added: 'Let's be honest, it's spread beyond that. There always might be someone who will take it seriously. I hope it's a hoax. But one person assaulted is one person too many. They can call it a hoax but the student population is scared. And in a light of recent events, I think they have a right to be.' Ms Phipps was referring to the murder of Londoner Sarah Everard - allegedly by a Met Police Officer. Miss Everard's death sparked nationwide reflection, discussion, and protests about the violence, particularly sexual violence, against women, and campaigns to ensure it was safe to walk alone at night. The Met's violent breaking up of a vigil for the murdered woman was heavily criticised, and sparked further protests about police powers - particularly the power to stop protests. Emily Ross, 20, also a student, said: 'I think it's really disgusting and I'm quite shocked. I can't believe in this day and age, especially this year with the whole Sarah Everard case, men still think this is okay. Even if it is a hoax, it's terrifying that a joke can be made out of something so serious. I am actually a little bit scared to go out on the 24th. I'll try not to make any big plans or go anywhere alone.' Ms Ross added that she always considered Falmouth a safe place, and said: 'It's reassuring to know that places on the high street are leaving their lights on because of it. They're doing their best to help and also it will create more visibility on the streets so it will help alleviate the feeling of someone following you. It's good they're bringing awareness and trying to do something about it.' Falmouth's own vigil was cancelled, and Ms Phipps said her idea - called #LeaveTheLightsOn - could also serve to bring the issue as a whole to light. She said: 'When things like this raise awareness, naive to think it's a new problem. As well as keeping the lights on to help with street safety, we might light a candle in the window - as the vigil we weren't able to have.' Fine art student Morgan Acton, 20, said she was also encouraged by the reaction of the people in the town. But she added: 'We shouldn't just make this a week where people care about the threat of sexual violence and then swiftly move on. Nobody should be making a joke out of this. They should be doing everything they can to dismantle rape culture at all times and not just when it becomes highlighted in this way. This stuff continues to happen whether there's a TikTok trend on it or not.' Read the full article