The Dark Side of Content Creation: When 'Pranks' Cross the Line
Last night’s incident outside Rod Laver Arena during the Billie Eilish concert has left me fuming. Two grown men thought it would be hilarious to intimidate a 10-year-old girl, shoving a phone in her face and demanding she name Chicago Bulls players because she was wearing the team’s merchandise. This isn’t content creation - it’s harassment, plain and simple.
The digital age has transformed our relationship with public spaces. Every moment seems to be fair game for someone’s social media feed, turning casual outings into potential content without consent. What’s particularly disturbing is how these self-proclaimed content creators specifically target those who seem vulnerable - young girls at a concert, people working out at gyms, or anyone they think might give them the reaction they’re hunting for.
Reading through various discussions about similar incidents, it’s clear this isn’t an isolated case. One person shared how they can barely leave their house without teenagers filming them and making cruel comments about their weight. Another mentioned quitting their gym because they couldn’t exercise without worrying about ending up in someone’s workout video. This constant surveillance culture is creating a chilling effect on public life.
The legal framework around filming in public hasn’t caught up with the reality of social media harassment. While it’s generally legal to film in public spaces, venues like Rod Laver Arena are private property with their own rules about filming. But the real issue isn’t just about legality - it’s about basic human decency and respect for personal boundaries.
Remember when going to a concert was just about enjoying the music and being part of a community of fans? Now, young people have to navigate this minefield of potential harassment from attention-seeking “content creators” who see them as nothing more than props for their next viral video. They’re reducing human beings to what they call “NPCs” (non-player characters) - a dehumanizing mindset that treats everyone else as background characters in their personal show.
The incident reminds me of the changes I’ve seen at Federation Square over the years. What used to be a vibrant public space for casual gatherings has become a backdrop for endless TikTok recordings. People can barely sit down for a peaceful moment without someone setting up their phone for the perfect shot, often catching unwitting bystanders in their frame.
But there are ways to fight back. When you spot this kind of harassment, speak up. Report these videos when they appear on social media platforms. Contact the brands these “creators” might be trying to promote and let them know their name is being associated with harassment. Most importantly, support venues and spaces that implement and enforce strict filming policies.
The solution isn’t to accept this as the new normal. We need to push back against this culture that treats every moment as potential content and every person as a potential target. Our public spaces should be safe for everyone, especially young people just trying to enjoy a concert without being intimidated by adults who should know better.
Young fans went to see Billie Eilish last night to create memories, not to become unwilling participants in someone’s sad attempt at viral fame. It’s time we reclaimed our public spaces from these digital vultures who feed off discomfort and humiliation. The real “NPC energy” comes from those who lack the empathy to see others as actual human beings deserving of respect.