The world of criminal Tik Tok

Social media has largely given a voice to the traditionally voiceless. It has given us fun things like peeks into the daily routine of D1 athletes and been impactful in relation to social justice this past summer. However, the rise of Tik Tok has given us a new glimpse into the criminal world. Prison Tik Tok is a new corner of social media that has gained prominence. While it is good that we are getting to see the true conditions inside prisons/jails, and complaints of abuse (I have a number of thoughts on criminal justice reform that I’ll share at a later time), it is dangerous that contraband cell phones are being so readily used and shared inside “secure” facilities. There are a number of dangers and risks from this but maybe the removal of contraband phones means we need to look at how we let incarcerated persons communicate with the outside world.

Another concerning corner of Tik Tok has become Cartel Tik Tok. Drug cartels in South America are actively using Tik Tok to share their lifestyle. Americans have long been fascinated by the criminal world, proof by the number of true crime podcasts and tv shows such as Breaking Bad (the best show with the best ending in my personal opinion). However, there are dangers in people's fascination with cartel Tik Tok. The viewing, sharing, and liking of these videos on the Tik Tok platform mean that the videos become more widely seen. Cartels use these videos to recruit members by showing their exorbitant lifestyle. By engaging with these videos on cartel Tik Tok, it is more likely that the videos will be seen and have a recruiting effect on impoverished young persons looking for a way out of the violence.

Just something to consider while you scroll through your socials today.