Uncover the Obsession: A TikTok Trend Reveals Men’s Fascination with the Roman Empire
Prepare to be bewildered by the latest peculiar TikTok trend that has taken the internet by storm. Women are now utilizing the platform to ask their male partners and friends a seemingly odd question – how frequently do they think about the Roman Empire? Brace yourself, because the answer might astonish you. It turns out, men think about the ancient civilization more often than you might imagine.
This bizarre fascination came to light when Kristen Sotakoun, a TikTok user, stumbled upon a captivating video approximately a year ago. In this video, a woman challenges viewers to guess her age. Sotakoun, however, didn’t feel the need to ponder, as she had already discovered the truth through the woman’s social media activity.
At the time, Sotakoun only had a modest following of 30 individuals. Fast forward to today, and she boasts an astounding 1.1 million followers who eagerly anticipate her unique content centered around what she playfully refers to as “consensual doxxing.” This unexpected turn of events has transformed her from a former Chicago restaurant server into a full-time TikTok content creator, raking in a substantial income.
Critics have raised concerns about the terminology Sotakoun coined. They argue that there is nothing truly “consensual” about doxxing – the act of publicly exposing someone’s personal information, such as their home address or phone number, with the intention to cause harm. However, Sotakoun’s take on the matter is lighthearted and satirical. She doesn’t immerse herself in the dark corners of the internet to uncover individuals’ birthdates unless they explicitly request it, hence the inclusion of “consensual” in her description.
Consider Sotakoun as the Nancy Drew of TikTok, approaching her content creation process as if it were an intricate puzzle. Her mission is not only to entertain but also to educate people about the significance of their online presence. According to experts, “consensual doxxing” can serve as a useful tool for individuals to comprehend the extent of personal information they have inadvertently shared online. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale, raising awareness about the alarming level of exposure our lives have on the internet.
Sotakoun’s first TikTok video on “consensual doxxing” barely received any comments. Yet, after her second video, the floodgates opened, with hundreds of comments pouring in daily. She meticulously selects one or two leads from this overwhelming response to pursue each day. The reason behind this enduring interest lies in the effort she invests in her craft. Viewers eagerly await the most creative and ingenious methods she employs to unearth personal information.
In her initial viral video, for instance, the individual in question had no videos posted, a cartoon filter shrouded their profile picture, and the only noteworthy detail was their glasses. Sotakoun delved deep into their followers’ list until she discovered a family member who had liked a picture on Facebook where a man wearing glasses featured prominently. This correlation, coupled with the individual’s comment on TikTok about their engineering profession and place of residence in Florida, eventually led her to unravel their identity.
According to Vered Shashoua, a licensed clinical social worker, “consensual doxxing” has been a form of entertainment for quite some time, with popular shows like “Catfish” exploring its implications. While TikTok has elevated its popularity, it is crucial to acknowledge that these videos inadvertently shed light on the uncomfortable reality that our lives are far more exposed online than we might fathom.
Despite her undeniable skills, Sotakoun is not without her imperfections. It is occasionally impossible for her to find individuals’ birthdates when their profiles are private, devoid of followers or any following, or if their username consists solely of the word “user” accompanied by a series of numbers. In such cases, she admits defeat. However, she estimates that she successfully uncovers the birthdays of around 70% to 80% of the people she investigates.
It is important to note that Sotakoun relies solely on social media and refrains from utilizing public records in her process. Her goal is to prove that the information individuals willingly provide is what allows her to piece together their birthdates. She aims to dismantle the illusion of privacy that many believe they have secured, exposing the reality that their digital footprint is not as secure as they might assume.
Brad Fulton, an associate professor of management and social policy at Indiana University – Bloomington, asserts that it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the extent to which their personal information is available online. “Consensual doxxing” offers a relatively safe avenue for individuals to understand the scope of their online exposure.
Occasionally, Sotakoun receives requests to assist with more than just birthday revelations. Some individuals approach her with cases they hope she can help solve. While flattering, she prefers to leave such tasks to law enforcement and other crime-fighting professionals.
Nonetheless, Sotakoun acknowledges that everyone has a friend within their circle who possesses a “FBI-like” capability. TikTok has revealed to her that she might possess such an extraordinary talent. Of course, it is crucial to acknowledge that individuals may draw the wrong conclusions from her videos and misuse the information for nefarious purposes. Nevertheless, the positive response she has received far outweighs the negative.
“I hope that my content reaches individuals who aspire to increase their privacy online,” says Sotakoun. “My greatest hope is that people will watch my videos and say, ‘Oh, I need to adopt these methods to better protect myself on the internet,’ rather than resorting to sinister intentions.”
Intriguingly, another TikTok trend has recently emerged, proclaiming the triumph of the “dimple maker.” However, critics raise concerns about the potential long-term damage it may cause. Could this trend pave the way for a legitimate phenomenon, or is it merely a passing fad?
Furthermore, a TikToker has gone viral, blaming their tardiness for work on a concept known as “time blindness.” This intriguing notion raises the question of whether “time blindness” is a genuine psychological phenomenon or a mere excuse.
Prepare to dive into the perplexing world of TikTok trends, filled with surprises, mysteries, and unexpected revelations.
