PETALING JAYA (ANN/THE STAR) – The tragic case of Rajeswary Appahu painfully illustrates the world of cyberbullying on TikTok as something far darker and nastier than most realise.
The recent events leading to the death of this 30-year-old social media influencer and activist have uncovered a sinister web of harassment, character assassination, and relentless attacks lurking beneath the platform’s surface.
Besides being hired as “cyberassassins,” the perpetrators reportedly leverage their bullying activities to amass followers, exploiting the social media platform’s algorithm that rewards users with large followings through earnings from live streams.
These earnings come in the form of “gifts” sent by viewers to the host, purchased through various payment methods such as online transfers and debit or credit cards. Shockingly, payments for “thuggery services” are also facilitated through these virtual gifts.
A TikToker who meticulously observed and documented these activities over several months highlighted that even children have not been spared, citing an incident where two boys were targeted for trolling on the platform a few months ago.
“There were six men in the live session, berating the boys. The host, recently picked up for assisting in Rajeswary’s case, bombarded them with vulgarities,” recounted the observer.
He alleged that the boys were instructed to slap each other, which they reluctantly did.
“All those involved in tormenting these underage boys must be held accountable,” he insisted, noting that the main perpetrator and a female accomplice were arrested for their alleged role in Rajeswary’s harassment.
The bullying session, held at 2.30am, attracted over 700 viewers.
According to the observer, social media entrepreneurs, particularly women selling cosmetic products, also reached out to the bullies to resolve disputes.
“People are openly warned not to ‘langgar’ certain individuals, with dire consequences for disobedience,” he added.
During these live harassment sessions, the host’s supporters, dubbed ‘henchmen and women’, joined in to shout and curse at the victims collectively.
Viewers were encouraged to join in tormenting the victims, even revealing their phone numbers.
“These sessions take place in the early hours, with dozens calling and harassing victims at any time,” he revealed.
The observer mentioned instances where thugs visited victims’ homes, taking photos to escalate fear after addresses were leaked.
The intensity of bullying also led to solo retaliations, with pseudonymous trolls fighting back against the bullies.
Terrance Mikail Miranda faced severe bullying himself, accused of being one such troll. Photos of his family, including his senior Roman Catholic priest brother, were publicised alongside tales of personal struggles.
“I believe they were paid to torment me and my family,” Miranda stated.
The trolling persisted for nearly two days.
During a live session, Miranda attempted to defend himself but was muted and blocked.
“It was a dreadful experience,” said the father-of-two, who manages a cafe and pub.
One of the trolls, retaliating against the bullies by exposing them in nasty videos, explained his actions.
“When we saw the humiliation of people, especially women, and the vile language targeting male victims’ families during live sessions, we knew it had to stop,” said ‘K’, one of the group.
K and friends attempted to rein in the bullies, seemingly successfully until Rajeswary and four others were brutally targeted.
Criminologist Assoc Prof Dr Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin noted cyberbullying’s growth since the pandemic, harming victims’ mental health more deeply than physical bullying.
“Some bullies pose as advocates while attacking their victims,” he warned.
Dr Mohammad Rahim urged identifying and addressing all live session guests and followers involved in cyberbullying.
Meanwhile, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo called for new legislation to hold social media platform owners accountable, preventing future tragedies like Rajeswary’s death and combating cyberbullying.
“This ensures swift action against misuse,” Gobind emphasised.
