The death of Moroccan TikToker “Malak”, who was famous for her dancing videos on TikTok, has sparked widespread controversy in Morocco after she was found dead in a former parliamentary palace in Beni Mellal.
The incident highlighted the risks associated with using social media platforms, especially among teenagers and young people.
Ahmed Al-Dafri, a professor of communication and media, pointed out that the widespread use of dancing and singing on TikTok may encourage young people to behave in ways that may be negative, in search of increasing the number of followers and views.
Al-Dafri stressed that these activities can lead to inappropriate behavior or even crimes, as a result of the fierce competition and financial challenges posed on the platform.
For his part, Dr. Youssef Mazouz, Secretary-General of the African Center for Information Protection, warned that using TikTok may expose users to multiple risks, including sexual exploitation and cyberbullying.
He stressed the importance of educating young people about the risks and providing them with the necessary tools to protect themselves online.
Bushra Abdo, President of the Challenge Association for Equality and Citizenship also pointed out the need to tighten control over platforms, especially those run by minors, calling for the protection of girls and adolescents from the risks of digital openness that could lead to disastrous results.
In the same context, Dr. Laila Al-Omrani, a specialist in cognitive behavioral therapy, called for the need for families to monitor the social media content consumed by their children, pointing to its potential negative impact on the mental health and academic performance of young people.
At the end of the statements, all parties stressed the importance of continuous awareness and protection of young people from potential risks via social media, to ensure their psychological and physical safety.
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