Are TikTokers Becoming a Public Nuisance? – Investigating the Latest Craze
Are TikTokers Becoming a Hassle in Public Spaces?
There’s a viral buzz around content creators filming in public areas—some people love it, some people loathe it. In Korea, one-person media is on a roll. The scene is flooded with over 35,000 digital creators, spanning YouTubers and TikTokers, raking in an impressive total revenue of 4 trillion won ($2.8 billion) in 2023. What’s caught everyone in a tizzy is how public spaces are now doubling up as studios for these influencers shooting dance routines or live interviews. Travel and food-focused YouTube channels have creators gushing about trendy cafes and eateries, whether for vlogs or live sessions.
This wave of personal media has blurred the lines between public and private realms, sparking debates over issues like foot traffic congestion, noise pollution, and violation of portrait rights. While some folks see public filming as a bold expression of free speech, others are quick to label it as a public nuisance.
According to a recent Instagram survey by The Korea Herald involving 1,336 participants, 60% were wary of TikTokers filming in public, while the remaining 40% celebrated them as creative dynamos. For instance, user @angie_fontaine_ remarked, “It’s fun to see but does get annoying when it‘s happening constantly where I walk or drive.” Echoing this sentiment, @simplyserenity added, “They are just trying to make a living, but I do think they need to be mindful of others.”
Advocates, however, argue that these creators are a boon for local businesses. User @andiemelana pointed out, “Food vloggers’ video content can help small businesses turn into trendy spots, attracting more customers.”
But with the good comes the bad. Han, a rock enthusiast, found herself in a tight spot last October at the Busan International Rock Festival when she ran into two Instagrammers broadcasting live right in front of her. When she realized that she was constantly popping up in their stream without permission, she asked them to relocate. Yet, her plea was ignored as they carried on filming, invading her privacy. “The livestreamers probably caught bits of my private conversation with a friend, and the thought of that made me cringe,” Han shared.
Han isn’t the only one feeling uneasy. Park, a student and beach lover, had his fair share of discomfort when travel YouTubers filmed him while he was trying to catch waves at a beach in Gangwon Province. “Some content creators take public spaces for granted and neglect the importance of portrait rights,” he stressed.
The Korea Communications Commission also observed a spike in the number of inquiries about privacy violations, with cases rising from nine in 2022 to 34 in 2023. From individuals innocently strolling the streets to waiting for the train, people are unknowingly landing in the background of YouTube clips, creating quite a stir. And Noh Ji-eun, an office-goer in Seoul, remarked, “I’ve seen young students filming Instagram reels with the subway platform as a backdrop. Having fun with friends is great, but it goes against public etiquette.”
Nonetheless, not everyone is up in arms. For some, the trend of one-person broadcasts in public is a welcome change, aligning with the core essence of public spaces—an avenue for self-expression and community bonding. “The reason public spaces are open is that they are available to anyone who wants to express themselves. As long as the act of filming in public areas complies with the law, it has to be respected for the sake of free speech,” a user wrote on the social platform X.
Teens, too, are hopping on the bandwagon, using public spaces to film short videos as a form of social hangout. Gong, a mom to a 17-year-old girl, shared, “My daughter loves making Instagram reels with her friends at the playground after school or between lectures at hagwons (private academies). For students who lack time to play outdoors because of their heavy academic load, it‘s a quick, entertaining way to spend time with friends.”
From a creator’s lens, shooting bite-sized videos in public spaces is adding zest to the digital media scene, offering glimpses of Korean culture and shedding light on issues that often fly under the radar. As Lim, a 24-year-old college student engaged in vlogging, aptly puts it, “In some cases, diverse voices that traditional media often neglect are better heard when expressed in public.”