In recent years, TikTok has become a favorite platform for millions of users. What started as simple entertainment has turned into a colorful mix of creative, funny, and inspiring videos. However, lately, this “party” has been tainted by a wave of explicit and offensive content. What’s even more concerning is that these videos aren’t just surviving but are being pushed straight to trending by the platform’s algorithm, leaving users, especially parents and young people, feeling frustrated and helpless.
The Rise of Explicit and Unacceptable Videos
Explicit videos on TikTok aren’t new, but their frequency and intensity are becoming alarming. These clips are often posted by young TikTokers who ignore social and moral standards just to grab attention. The content usually involves cheap “view bait” tactics: overly suggestive dances, revealing and offensive outfits, and even clips with pornographic or vulgar themes.
Users who accidentally scroll through these TikTokers’ channels face a barrage of shocking images and language that make them uncomfortable and upset. These videos offer no educational value or healthy entertainment, they’re simply a competition to see who can be the most explicit to attract views.
Creators’ Greed and the Community’s Helplessness
These TikTokers, chasing fame and profit, don’t hesitate to use “dirty” methods. They believe that in a fiercely competitive environment, the fastest way to get noticed is by standing out, and that often means being offensive. The more shocking and criticized their videos are, the more they get talked about, which ironically becomes a measure of success. Take the young man in the video below, for example. He openly shares extremely explicit content, challenging the platform’s guidelines and the wholesome environment many users want.
What frustrates the community most isn’t just these creators’ behavior but the platform’s role in enabling it. Many users have expressed their helplessness when they find explicit videos trending on the “Hey, is TikTok out of control now?” page, where TikTok’s algorithm recommends content. This raises a big question: does TikTok’s algorithm ignore content quality, and is the moderation team really doing its job?
Although the explicit video was eventually taken down, it remained on the platform for several days. This not only annoyed viewers but also negatively impacted children and teenagers. When young users see offensive content getting views and spreading widely, they might mistakenly think that’s the way to get famous.
Optimizing the algorithm to prioritize safety and quality over just engagement is essential. The platform needs to invest more in moderation teams and AI tools to block offensive content right from the start. Only then can TikTok reclaim its place as a positive, healthy entertainment space for everyone.
