Ugandan socialite Judith Heard has ignited a debate about the state of content creation on TikTok in Uganda. In a recent social media post, Heard expressed her worries about the platform increasingly becoming a space dominated by begging, blackmail, and the exploitation of influential figures.
“Ugandan TikTok is slowly turning into a digital street corner; every scroll feels like someone is begging,” Heard stated in her post. She lamented the shift away from genuine content creation towards what she perceives as a struggle for survival through digital panhandling.
Her concerns extended to the darker side of the platform, highlighting the “alarming rise of blackmail and manipulation.” Heard alleged that some users are fabricating stories and launching attacks against individuals with influence, seemingly with the sole intention of extorting money.
“People no longer create to inspire; they abuse, attack, and fabricate stories targeting those with influence, just to get paid,” she asserted. This, according to Heard, signifies a move away from talent and creativity towards “survival by exploitation.”
Heard’s comments have sparked a flurry of reactions online, with some users agreeing with her observations and sharing similar experiences. Others have offered differing perspectives, arguing that TikTok, like any social media platform, reflects the diverse realities and struggles within society.