TikToker gains 1.3 million followers after 3 bans: When audience fails to hold creator accountable

This isn't his first controversy. Tuan has built a reputation for uploading offensive videos designed to provoke outrage and attract views.

In late 2022, Tuan was fined VND7.5 million (US$295) for a video series titled "No O No Feeds the Poor," which featured derogatory language. Following this, TikTok terminated his channel, which had 600,000 followers at the time.

In early 2023, Tuan returned with a new channel, quickly amassing over 50,000 followers before TikTok shut it down for reposting previously criticized videos.

To date, Tuan has had three channels terminated and paid a total of VND37.5 million (US$1,475) in fines.

Despite these penalties, his follower count has skyrocketed—from 50,000 to 1.3 million. He continues to upload provocative videos, driving engagement and views while his audience grows.

A person opens the TikTok app on a mobile phone. Illustration photo by Pexels

Are Vietnamese social media users unintentionally enabling this cycle by interacting with harmful content?

Among Tuan's millions of followers, it's unclear how many genuinely enjoy his videos and how many watch just to criticize or expose him. Regardless of intent, this attention generates revenue and motivates creators like Tuan to produce more offensive content.

What would happen if viewers boycotted such channels, avoided engagement, and refused to follow? Would TikTokers like Tuan continue to produce offensive content? The responsibility lies with the audience.

In China, public figures who violate laws, ethics, or societal norms face immediate blacklisting, which bars them from public and artistic activities. Vietnamese social media users could adopt a similar approach to discourage harmful creators.

Content creators will prioritize responsibility and meaningful contributions only if they are held accountable by their audience. Without this accountability, social media will remain a chaotic space where individuals scramble for attention by any means necessary.