A woman who sells products online jokes with a girl selling peanuts, immediately after pretending to accidentally spill the young vendor’s basket on the floor. FB
The Ministry of Information has repeated an advisory warning to social media content creators, reiterating that they should not use dishonest methods, so-called “prank” tactics or inappropriate language to attract clicks or sell products online.
The latest warning follows a viral video in which a mother and daughter content creator team made a video where the daughter pretended to befriend a young peanut vendor and then pushed her tray of peanuts off her head and onto the ground.
The poor girl, unaware of the “prank”, tearfully gathered up her goods and walked away. Once she had gone a short distance the would-be comediennes called her back and paid her for the entire tray of peanuts, then collected a high five from the confused vendor.
The video went viral on February 27, but not in the way the creators hoped. They were widely criticised for not caring about the girl’s feelings, and most of the public viewed their actions as offensive and deeply unethical.
The information ministry has called for a public apology from the content creators.
Today, February 28, a ministry statement noted that some social media content creators and users have violated ethical standards by using dishonest methods or failing to respect the rights and dignity of others, in order to attract attention or sell products.
They have failed to consider societal values, it added.
To promote social ethics, the ministry has urged all creators and social media users to stop using “pranks” to attract clicks – or boot sales – at the expense of others' dignity, rights and cultural values.
“Such actions are not honest content creation but lack ethics and responsibility, leading to confusion and serious potential harm to individuals’ dignity and social morals,” it said.
“Content creation involving pranks that harm the dignity and reputation of others is strongly discouraged. It is illegal, and may result in lawsuits from those affected.” It added.
The ministry urged the public not to share unethical content that violates people’s dignity and encouraged people to stop the spread of fake news and harmful content.
It warned that legal action will be taken against those who produce inappropriate content that harms social ethics and national traditions.
At the same time, the ministry praised the majority of social media content creators, noting that they uphold ethical standards, respect others' dignity and rights, and provide accurate and truthful information to the public.
