Livestreaming Like an NPC: The Strange TikTok Trend

What's Behind the Odd Behavior?

The Origins of the Trend

The practice of users livestreaming themselves acting like NPCs (non-player characters) or automatons has recently gained traction on TikTok. These streams often feature individuals mimicking the repetitive movements and behaviors of video game or AI-controlled characters. The origins of this trend remain unclear, but it is believed to have emerged as a form of satirical commentary on the increasing prevalence of automation in society.

Billie Eilish's Livestreaming Experiment

One notable instance of this trend was Billie Eilish's livestream on her TikTok account, billielivehere. During the stream, Eilish seemingly acted like an NPC, performing random tasks and interacting with viewers in an automated manner. This stream sparked widespread speculation and debate, with some suggesting that it was a publicity stunt for her upcoming album, while others interpreted it as a statement on the dehumanizing effects of social media.

Fake Livestreams During the War

During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, fake livestreams have been used as a propaganda tool to spread misinformation and sow confusion. These streams often feature doctored footage or fabricated content, and they have been used to create a false narrative about the war. Such streams have drawn significant attention and have raised concerns about the potential for misinformation to spread unchecked on social media platforms.

Reusing Old Content as Livestreams

Another variant of the TikTok trend involves creators rebroadcasting old videos in real-time as if they were live streams. While this practice is not explicitly prohibited by TikTok's policies, it has raised questions about the ethical implications of misleading viewers into believing that they are watching genuine live content. The use of such tactics has also been criticized for contributing to the spread of false information and undermining the authenticity of livestreaming.

Conclusion

The strange TikTok trend of livestreaming like an NPC reflects a complex interplay of satire, celebrity engagement, and the potential for misinformation. While the motivations behind these streams vary, they raise important questions about the changing nature of human interaction in a digital age and the responsibilities of social media platforms to combat the spread of false or misleading content.