TikTok users are asking their followers to block certain celebrities on the social media platform, in a trend that has become known as “Digiteen.”
According to Distractify, this trend is a way to punish celebrities who are seen as not properly using their wealth and influence to help others. The purpose of the block is to disrupt revenue earned through advertising and brand deals.
Why did this trend start?
This trend is a result of the 2024 Met Gala, which will feature celebrities wearing extravagant costumes, and tickets will cost $75,000, according to the BBC.
TikTok users felt this highlighted the disparity in wealth between people, and some began comparing it to the popular dystopian movie series The Hunger Games, where the rich and poor are divided into regions.
User @ladyfromtheoutside posted a video slamming model and influencer Hailey Khalil.
Khalil previously posted a video of himself lip-syncing the words “Let Me Eat Cake” outside the Met Gala. This refers to a comment rumored to have been made by Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, regarding the starving poor during the French Revolution.
In the video, the woman from outside coined the word “Digiteen”, a combination of the words “digital guillotine”, to describe the fate of Marie Antoinette, who was beheaded for what was considered a crime against the French people.
She said, “It's time to block all celebrities, influencers and wealthy socialites who don't use their resources to help people in serious situations.”
Khalil has since deleted the video that sparked the outrage and posted an apology video. In her apology, she explains that she did not attend the Met Gala and was only invited by E! News interviews with celebrities outside.
Khalil's use of the “let them eat cake” audio was not intended to be perceived as “malicious in nature.” Rather, she claims she used it because it was part of the current glow-up trend.
The “digitine” trend continues to gain momentum, and other celebrities are being targeted as a result.
What is the impact of the trend?
TikTok users have different ideas about who they should target.
Many people are creating their own lists of celebrities to block next. Some of the more popular names include people like Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Taylor Swift, Drake, and The Rock.
While some celebrate the success of this trend, others want to point the finger at corporations and politicians who are really to blame.
One viral video posted by @rawcritix expressed a desire to block “people who actually impact our daily lives,” rather than just focusing on celebrities and influencers.
