This is not normal
Why I'm calling for an online protest worldwide.
I’m still new to TikTok, so maybe this is normal for the platform — but accidentally seeing a video of someone being murdered when I was just watching a pasta tutorial, and then scrolling on to a woman dancing to Sabrina Carpenter, does not feel normal.
In fact, I’m scarred. I woke up multiple times last night thinking about it.
We all know this isn’t normal, and yet our only option is to swipe to the next video and pretend we didn’t just witness something horrific.
How did we get here?
Is it because we watch killings in horror or action movies?
Is it because video games normalise violence?
Is it because fiction books explore it in detail?
Maybe. But the difference is, those things involve choice. I decide whether I want to watch a horror film or play a certain game. I did not choose to watch that video. On TikTok, it was forced into my feed — a 30-second snippet sandwiched between recipes and dance trends.
This is not normal. And I’m no psychologist, but I can tell you right now: this is not good for us.
All day, I’ve avoided my FYP out of fear I’ll see it again. Fear I’ll stumble on another one. Fear of what this says about where the internet is heading.
And this is bigger than one video. From graphic content, to cyberbullying, to doxxing, to cancel culture gone wrong — TikTok (and social media at large) is letting things slide that directly harm our mental health and humanity.
What makes this difficult is the inner conflict I feel. I’ve been using TikTok to grow my business, believing it was a space for creativity and connection. And yes, it can be. But at the same time, I’m now questioning: do I boycott it entirely? Or do I stay — and use my voice to flood the feed with something positive?
Here’s where I’ve landed:
This is your reminder that no, it’s not normal to be exposed to traumatic content against your will. No, you don’t have to accept it. And yes, you can choose to create a different internet.
If the algorithm can spread fear and hate, it can also spread kindness and hope.
So let’s start a worldwide online protest of kindness. Plant little seeds of beauty, empathy, and love. Flood the feed with reminders of what humanity is capable of at its best.
Because the internet isn’t going anywhere. But maybe — just maybe — we can make it a better place.
Next time you post or comment, let it be something that adds to hope.
And if it ever gets too heavy, remember there is grass beneath your feet, birdsong in the air, waterfalls rushing, whales in the deep. The world is still breathtaking. Step away from the feed, return to nature, and remind yourself — and others — of that beauty.