Shocking content on TikTok has been a hot topic lately. After numerous cases of TikTokers facing travel bans and even boycotts for violations, some content creators on this popular yet controversial video platform still seem unaware of their responsibilities and the serious harm caused by their low-quality videos reaching the community.
Most recently, viewers were once again “poisoned” by videos promoting regional discrimination, insulting and belittling others just to grab attention on TikTok.
What’s even more condemnable is that these actions are not accidental or due to lack of awareness about sensitive social issues. On the contrary, the TikTokers involved are deliberately creating shocking content to get their clips trending, with some even accused of using editing tricks to produce offensive material.
Gaining fame through negativity definitely comes with bitter consequences, and these cases are no exception.
Public Apologies Still Met With Boycotts
Specifically, on August 5, TikToker H.M posted a seriously regional discriminatory video that outraged viewers. Despite the backlash, the clip gained massive engagement and trended, sparking widespread discussion across social media. In a negative way, H.M achieved his goal of becoming more popular. However, this approach was far from wise and ultimately led to a harsh outcome.
On the afternoon of August 12, H.M was summoned by the Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department of Lam Dong Province Police to clarify his actions of spreading false information that insulted personal honor and dignity. Afterwards, H.M posted a new video apologizing and admitting his mistakes. However, the audience remained upset and demanded a boycott of his TikTok channel.
It’s worth noting this is not the first time H.M has posted such content on his personal page. He mainly creates videos interviewing strangers on various topics but then edits and stages the footage subjectively to stir controversy and attract views.
Previously, H.M was also caught deliberately editing and manipulating a female interviewee named P.N’s responses about “men riding manual motorbikes,” which led to strong backlash against her. P.N, a “victim,” clarified on her personal page that H.M repeatedly asked questions and then edited the final video with altered audio to misrepresent her answers for clicks and likes.
Backlash From Negative Content
Earlier this year, female TikToker T.L.T suddenly became well-known across forums. However, her fame was infamous due to a series of clips criticizing men’s looks and personalities. In these videos, T.L.T expressed her opinions on men with a somewhat disdainful attitude, deliberately putting others down by mocking guys who are only 1.7 meters tall or handsome but poor, which angered many viewers.
These clips quickly drew mixed reactions and criticism from viewers. Most felt T.L.T was too young to pursue such opinion-based content. Moreover, her shocking remarks made many uncomfortable by spreading negative vibes.
Additionally, many TikTok users strongly condemned videos like these fearing their harmful influence on young people. The fact that some young creators use their influence recklessly just to get famous is something that should be discouraged.
After facing public criticism, T.L.T shared with the media that she felt exhausted and pressured, even avoiding social media for a while. She said she only made the videos as jokes and performances, not reflecting her true thoughts. Currently, T.L.T has shifted her TikTok content and is receiving more positive feedback from viewers.
“It’s hard to find supporters anywhere you go”
Julie Pham (Pham Thi Linh), a content creator and native of Central Vietnam, said she is aware of H.M’s videos but prefers not to pay attention due to their negativity. However, Julie openly criticized H.M for being ignorant and having a negative outlook that affects others.
As a fellow creator on this platform, Julie admitted that the more controversial the content, the more likely it is to trend, get views, and make someone famous. Perhaps that’s why many people choose this path to make their videos popular.
Julie expressed, “But the consequence for creators like that is a flood of critical comments, condemnation, and boycotts from viewers. No matter how many likes or views they get, it’s hard to find anyone who truly supports them. I think it’s not just about the heavy price they pay but also about how they degrade their own dignity and pride.”
“For me personally, deliberately putting others down, mocking wealth or poverty, or discriminating by region is the most condemnable type of content. TikTok attracts many young people, including students and teenagers. Content like this greatly impacts their awareness when they can’t fully distinguish right from wrong,” Julie added.
