"TikTok, Do Your Thing": User Reactions to Social Surveillance in the Public Sphere
Journal:
arXiv
Published Date:
Jun 25, 2025
Abstract
''TikTok, Do Your Thing'' is a viral trend where users attempt to identify
strangers they see in public via information crowd-sourcing. The trend started
as early as 2021 and users typically engage with it for romantic purposes
(similar to a ''Missed Connections'' personal advertisement). This practice
includes acts of surveillance and identification in the public sphere, although
by peers rather than governments or corporations. To understand users'
reactions to this trend we conducted a qualitative analysis of 60 TikTok videos
and 1,901 user comments. Of the 60 videos reviewed, we find 19 individuals were
successfully identified. We also find that while there were comments expressing
disapproval (n=310), more than double the number expressed support (n=883).
Supportive comments demonstrated genuine interest and empathy, reflecting
evolving conceptions of community and algorithmic engagement. On the other
hand, disapproving comments highlighted concerns about inappropriate
relationships, stalking, consent, and gendered double standards. We discuss
these insights in relation to the normalization of interpersonal surveillance,
online stalking, and as an evolution of social surveillance to offer a new
perspective on user perceptions surrounding interpersonal surveillance and
identification in the public sphere.