TV personality and entrepreneur Maggie Wilson recently caused quite a stir on the Internet when she revealed an alleged smear campaign against her involving several TikTok content creators. Shortly after, these TikTokers came out of the woodwork with public apologies, claiming they were allegedly paid and handed a script to create videos targeting Wilson.

The former Miss World Philippines has since then vowed to take action and sue all the parties behind the online attacks. This incident is a real-life masterclass of the responsibilities of being a content creator. It’s a booming industry where the slightest misstep can have far-reaching consequences.

Here’s a quick guide on how to avoid the problematic side of content creation:

8. Excessive self-promotion

We get it. You’re an up-and-coming content creator, dead-set to build your social media empire. Cheers to that! But you can overdo it. People value authenticity. They want to know you and foster meaningful connections along the way — not get bombarded by your face or antics 24/7. 

7. Spreading false information

You can tout yourself as a trustworthy content creator all day long, but if your content is poorly researched – or worse, a bunch of lies – you’re making the internet (and the world) a worse place to be in. Stop being part of the problem and think twice before publishing. 

6. Clickbaiting and sensationalism

Content creators whose works revolve around exaggerated thumbnails and misleading video titles either lack creativity or are overly thirsty for clout. Over time, audiences will catch up to your clickbaiting shenanigans and disengage from your content altogether. 

5. Plagiarism

Some individuals are so lacking in originality that they habitually copy other people’s work. Plagiarism is a no-no, especially if it’s committed by so-called content creators who should be the purveyors of creativity. It’s downright embarrassing and undermines the trust of your audience. No one’s asking you to be an idea machine, but at the very least, acknowledge and give credit where it’s due.

4. Just doing it for the money

Being a content creator is a lucrative career. And there’s no shame in wanting financial stability, because don’t we all? However, don’t let the cash rolling affect how you create your content. Do you really want to be known as a content creator willing to sacrifice their integrity for money?

3. Engaging in bullying and harassment

Any aspiring content creator should remember that with a growing audience comes a growing responsibility. And engaging in bullying and harassment starkly contradicts that. You’re now a role model, whether you like it or not. You must use your influence to inspire and create a welcoming community. 

2. Creating exploitative content

When content creators use devastating events or disasters to boost their engagement numbers, they open Pandora’s box of problems. It’s insensitive because it leeches off human suffering for personal gain. Exploitative content can also cause harm for the sake of entertainment. Nobody deserves to become a viral craze out of malicious intentions. 

1. Refusing accountability

Let’s be real, people. There are content creators who have a god complex. They can do no wrong in their eyes — which is far from reality because this world would be in a better place if that were remotely true. A content creator must learn how to acknowledge when you’ve made a mistake and apologize for any feelings you’ve unintentionally hurt. 

Why? Because that’s what responsible adults do.

And for the love of whatever’s left of your dignity, avoid writing novel-long apologies using note-taking apps or turning them into a cringe song like Colleen Ballinger unless you want to become an overnight meme.

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