In the context of social media booming, TikTok has become a “promised land” for young people wanting to express themselves and make money. However, along with this strong development, a concerning trend has also emerged: a portion of TikTokers using drama and controversy formulas to gain fame, regardless of their reputation and self-worth.
The case of TikToker L.T, with the scandals related to leaked private clips, is a typical example of this phenomenon, raising significant questions about the ethics and responsibilities of content creators online.
The “drama” formula for fame
Step 1: Shock and create controversy: By making shocking statements, engaging in unusual actions, or sharing sensitive content, content creators attract the attention of the online community.
Step 2: Embrace the “hate”: When faced with waves of criticism, they do not choose to remain silent but continue to confront, even speaking out and appearing during the hot moments of the scandal to “nurture” interaction and maintain attention.
Step 3: Utilize attention to make money: From these controversies, TikTokers attract huge follower counts, leading to advertising contracts, event participation, and income from views and interactions…
This formula quickly yields results, but it is also a double-edged sword. Fame built on controversy can easily collapse, and the price may be career, honor, and even personal life.
The case of L.T: Trading self-worth for fame
L.T is a famous TikToker with millions of followers. She is known for her dance videos, luxurious lifestyle, and alluring personal image. However, recently, she has been involved in a severe scandal when private clips purportedly of her were leaked online.
Initially, the online community expressed sympathy for L.T, believing she was a victim of a serious privacy violation. Initial reports suggested that the videos were leaked after she took her phone for repair. However, L.T’s subsequent reaction surprised the public.
Instead of remaining silent and handling the matter privately, L.T chose a direct confrontation. She posted sultry bikini images showcasing her figure on her personal page along with a suggestive caption: “Some mistakes cost a lifetime.”
This move by L.T immediately attracted mocking comments. A portion of the audience felt she was trying to portray herself as a “victim,” while also capitalizing on the incident to continue drawing attention.
L.T’s reaction after the incident has led many to question: Is she really a victim? Or is it all just a stunt to maintain her popularity? Is posting bikini photos and suggestive captions a wise way to face a scandal, or merely a calculated move to continue “fishing for views”?
The price of recklessness
L.T’s story is not unique. In the world of social media, many young people are willing to trade their self-worth and even public respect for a few moments of fame. They accept doing anything from filming risqué clips, making shocking statements, to creating drama stories to receive sympathy and attention from the community.
The actions of L.T and those TikTokers following this formula may bring fame and wealth in a short time, but the price is extremely high. Once a persona is built on drama, it is very difficult to regain trust and respect from the audience. Their personal lives will be scrutinized, criticized, leading to heavy psychological pressure. Fame derived from drama is often not sustainable. When the drama ends, the attention will fade, and they will be forgotten. Moreover, when they later want to “rebuild” their image and change for the better, it won’t be easy – as evidenced by T.H.L, another famous TikToker facing similar challenges.