TikTok Rage-Baiters Exploiting Communities for Profit: A Call for Accountability

TikTok Rage-Baiting: A Growing Concern TikTok, a platform known for its short-form videos, is facing a growing problem: rage-baiting. Rage-baiting involves creators using inflammatory content to provoke strong emotional responses from viewers, often for personal gain. This tactic has been employed by several high-profile TikTok accounts, leading to concerns about online ethics and the potential for manipulation. One example is Lily Tino, who, according to TikToker Quinn Pratt, uses the transgender community as a tool for rage-baiting. "In my opinion, what Lily is doing is rage bait using and exploiting the transgender community," Pratt states in his video. This tactic involves generating controversy and views through provocative claims, often without regard for the impact on the community being targeted. Another example is Mama C, who Pratt claims exploits the government assistance community. These creators often use emotionally charged situations to gain sympathy and donations from viewers. The use of such tactics raises concerns about authenticity and the ethical implications of using vulnerable communities for personal profit. News Baby, another creator highlighted by Pratt, initially presented their content as an homage to News Daddy. However, their content later became increasingly controversial, leading to conflict and accusations of rage-baiting. "Is that an homage? Is that showing your love and support for your favorite influencer?" questions Pratt. The issue of rage-baiting on TikTok highlights the need for critical engagement with online content. By understanding the tactics employed by these creators, viewers can make informed decisions about the content they consume and support. Blocking accounts that consistently engage in rage-baiting is one way to reduce their incentive and promote a healthier online environment.