Do not let your kids see it, 2022
360°- Video
"TikTok has a gun problem, and it's doing nothing to fix it"

Do not let your kids see it provocatively explores the juxtaposition of childhood innocence and the pervasive presence of weaponry on the TikTok platform. It addresses the alarming accessibility of firearms to minors, juxtaposed with TikTok's often contradictory community guidelines.

While the platform is a familiar space for many users aged 10 to 19, its complexities remain opaque to non-users. This study aims to illuminate the unsettling reality that underage users are routinely exposed to weapon-related content, effectively bringing the marketing of firearms into the sanctity of their own bedrooms.

To achieve this, the artwork employs advanced object detection technology to extract clips featuring weapons, which are then integrated into a rendered 3D environment resembling a child's room. This striking visual narrative serves as both a critique of social media practices and a haunting reminder of the implications these encounters hold for young minds. The piece invites viewers to reflect on the consequences of digital exposure and the responsibility of platforms to protect their most vulnerable users.

© 2025 Lena Kalleitner