An influencer tried to go viral with a “cannibal tribe” stunt, offering salt for views. The internet’s reaction? Not what he bargained for! Accusations of exploitation and staging are flooding in. Is chasing clicks worth perpetuating harmful stereotypes?
A recent controversy has ignited widespread debate across social media, centering on an Irish influencer whose sensationalized encounter with an indigenous tribe in Papua, Indonesia, drew immediate and fierce criticism. The incident, which garnered millions of views, saw TikToker Dara Tah accused of cultural exploitation, promoting harmful stereotypes, and orchestrating a staged event purely for online engagement, prompting a critical examination of online ethics in content creation.
The initial video, which quickly went viral, depicted Tah and his guide navigating a river in a remote jungle setting, purportedly encountering a “cannibal tribe.” Footage showed men with bows and arrows emerging from the foliage, creating a dramatic and fearful atmosphere. Tah’s offering of salt, which was promptly rejected and spat out by a tribesman, added to the sensational narrative, amplifying the ‘otherness’ and perceived danger of the indigenous community for his vast audience.
Following a significant delay, a second video emerged, presenting a revised narrative. This time, Tah identified the group as the Bauzi tribe and claimed his purpose was to ‘document their culture,’ offering tobacco which was seemingly accepted. This shift from ‘cannibal tribe’ to cultural documentation, however, did little to quell the mounting accusations of a calculated spectacle designed to maximize viewership and engagement rather than genuinely engage with indigenous culture.
Anthropological experts have long disputed the widespread claims of active cannibalism among Papuan tribes, including the Korowai and Bauzi people. Many scholars suggest that such rumors are often perpetuated, sometimes even by the tribes themselves, to attract tourism and generate income, rather than reflecting current cultural practices. This context underscores the problematic nature of Tah’s initial framing, which leaned heavily into outdated and damaging stereotypes.
The current scandal is not an isolated incident for the TikTok influencer. Past controversies, such as his “Anthrax Island” video, where he donned a hazmat suit on an island decontaminated decades prior, established a pattern of creating sensational, clickbait content. Critics argue that this latest incident is another calculated attempt to generate viral content, further raising concerns about the authenticity and ethical implications of his online presence.
Online communities, particularly fellow TikTokers, were quick to voice their outrage. Comments flooded in, accusing Tah of intruding on indigenous land, exaggerating the lifestyles of remote people, and misleading his audience. Many condemned the content as deeply offensive and indigenous exploitation, questioning the responsibility influencers have when interacting with vulnerable or misrepresented communities for personal gain and ‘views.’
This Dara Tah scandal serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues within the digital content landscape, particularly concerning the ethical responsibilities of creators. The pursuit of viral content and high engagement should not come at the expense of cultural sensitivity, accurate representation, or the dignity of Papua tribes. It highlights the urgent need for a more thoughtful and respectful approach to online storytelling and calls for greater accountability for those who choose to exploit cultural narratives for entertainment, fueling viral content controversy and a lack of online ethics.
