The Illegal Dangers of TikTok Shop..

Introduction

Introduction

How is it that after what feels like every two seconds on TikTok, they're trying to sell you something—literally anything they can find to sell? From turbo fan shower heads and socket fan lights to rice and egg dispensers, $ 29 go-karts to the insanely popular hair curlers. They find something that fits on your For You Page (FYP) and show it to you about 880,000 times. Even I, a victim of TikTok shop, fell for it. I bought a water ear cleaner that I haven't even opened yet, solely because the woman using it looked like she was having an orgasm. Another unopened product I bought was a slushy maker cup. I decided to do a deep dive into TikTok shop, only to find that its strategies are malicious and dangerous.

A Psychological Game on TikTok Shop

Users vs. Creators vs. The Algorithm

Vox did a piece on shady advertising on TikTok back in 2022, revealing the abuse of trust. Some creators failed to disclose ads as required by the FTC but suffered no consequences. Sarah Morrison, the journalist, provided examples of creators promoting products without proper ad disclosures. For instance, Charlie D'Amelio promoted a drink without revealing she was a brand partner. The informal nature of TikTok content and its addictive algorithm mean users are often bombarded with hidden ads, making it nearly impossible to differentiate between genuine content and sponsored posts.

Counterfeits and Dangerous Products

Fake Goods

One of the many issues with TikTok shop is the presence of counterfeit goods. From fake cosmetics to substandard electronics, the platform is rife with dangerous products. The core of the issue lies in the unmonitored listings and the sheer volume of goods. Fraudulent vendors exploit these loopholes, leading to potentially harmful products being sold to consumers. For instance, fake Korean snail mucin creams contain potentially dangerous, unapproved ingredients like lead, arsenic, and even animal feces.

Kids at Risk

Another alarming issue is the sale of unsuitable or harmful products to children. Products containing ingredients like retinol are sold to kids, leading to skin issues. Dermatologists confirm that these ingredients are unsuitable for young complexions. Influencers, sometimes as young as nine, promote these products, putting their young audience at risk. This ties back into the psychological tactics TikTok shop uses to influence its users, including children.

Scams Galore

Misleading Listings

Beyond counterfeit goods and dangerous products, TikTok Shop is a breeding ground for outright scams. Examples include vendors closing down stores abruptly or issuing fake tracking numbers, leaving buyers without their ordered products.

Creators Getting Scammed

Even the creators promoting these products aren't safe. Some small creators get scammed into promoting counterfeit goods without realizing it. These fake merchants use TikTok's affiliate program to gain legitimacy quickly, exploiting both the creator and their audience.

Unethical Sourcing

Questionable Labor Practices

Lastly, the ethics of product sourcing on TikTok shop are questionable. Many products sold cheaply on the platform raise concerns about their production. Are they made sustainably? What kind of labor is used to produce them? These are valid concerns, especially considering past allegations against platforms like Shein and Amazon for using forced labor in their supply chains.

Conclusion

TikTok shop is filled with dangerous, deceptive practices that exploit both consumers and creators. Users face a barrage of undisclosed ads, counterfeit goods, and outright scams, while creators unknowingly promote counterfeit products and sometimes lose their commissions. Finally, the unethical sourcing of products casts a dark shadow over the otherwise enticing deals on TikTok shop.

Keywords

• TikTok Shop
• Counterfeit Goods
• FTC Guidelines
• Psychological Tactics
• Scams
• Unethical Sourcing
• Influencers
• Substandard Products
• Fake Tracking Numbers
• Forced Labor

FAQ

Q: What psychological tactics does TikTok Shop use?

A: TikTok uses trust-building with creators, an addictive algorithm, and frequent ad placements to convince users to buy products.

Q: How does TikTok Shop handle counterfeit goods?

A: The platform is currently rife with counterfeit goods, from fake cosmetics to substandard electronics, with little to no stringent monitoring.

Q: Are children at risk on TikTok Shop?

A: Yes, children are often targeted with unsuitable and potentially harmful cosmetic products, promoted by young influencers.

Q: How prevalent are scams on TikTok Shop?

A: Scams are common, including misrepresented listings, fake tracking numbers, and abrupt store closures.

Q: What are the concerns about the ethical sourcing of products?

A: Many products sold cheaply on TikTok shop raise concerns about being made sustainably and ethically, with worries about forced labor in their supply chains.

Q: What happens if the shop I bought from on TikTok Shop shuts down?

A: If a shop closes down, customers often find it difficult to get a refund or raise disputes, leaving them at a loss.