In TikTok, anything can be viral, especially those videos that exhibit pranks and humanitarian service. However, not all you see on the internet is true, and this is a fact.
The "acts of kindness" videos do not always translate to positive reactions. While some content creators have good intentions to help other people, others are only filming them for fun/profit.
'Random Acts of Kindness' Trend on TikTok
TikTok videos that depict the "act of giving" are turning into "dehumanizing" trends that are shaping the platform.
There will come a time when a stranger will approach you and invite you to chitchat. Later, this man/woman will reward you for answering the question, right? It sounds familiar, isn't it?
Sometimes, you can see a person giving food to random people on the streets. Others will hand you a bouquet of flowers without knowing their intentions.
For a typical person, these acts of kindness can be easily understood because of the presents. However, it's not always about butterflies since there's a mystic reason why content creators resort to that thing.
According to PetaPixel, a TikTok content creator who goes with the name Harrison Pawluk has recently filmed an Australian woman without her consent.
@lifeofharrison I hope this made her day better ️ #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #wholesome ♬ original sound - Harrison
The viral video has thousands of views on TikTok at the moment. The caption reads, "I hope this made her day better." Although many people think that it's a sweet gesture to do to an elderly woman, Maree, the subject in the video, does not think the same.
According to the woman, the TikTok influencer filmed her without her consent. Maree said that Pawluk interrupted her. She added that he's just doing it for the sake of money.
"It's the patronizing assumption that women, especially older women, will be thrilled by some random stranger giving them flowers," Maree said in an interview with ABC Radio.
This example is only one of many videos all over the internet which might easily fool the viewers into knowing that it's doing more good than harm.
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'Acts of Kindness' Videos Are Dehumanizing
It's been a long time since these videos existed on social media, but people only pay attention to the positive light. This is one of the reasons why this kind of clip continues to exist to date.
The random "acts of kindness" video could involve providing a seat to an old woman, filming a mentally-impaired person in public, and more.
This trend might sound good, but in fact, it's the other way around. According to Dr. Crystal Abidin, a digital anthropologist from Curtin University, it's all about the "money shot" for the creators, per The Guardian.
Abidin continued that the "random acts of kindness" videos have already evolved into "humanitarian dramas." The lack of context on the posted videos makes it more terrible to understand further.
The next time you encounter a man or a woman who wants to give you food, money, or flowers, remember the concept behind "random acts of kindness." It may seem pleasant, but in reality, it's not what you can really think of.
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This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Joseph Henry
