Recently, hundreds of ‘LabGerm’ videos have filled social media. Often, they start with gloved hands and a voiceover detailing a distressing experiment on a fish. The content mix includes AI-generated visuals and real animals showing signs of distress. These videos, prevalent on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, primarily originate from Chinese social media, gaining significant internet attention through outrage, a concept now called ‘rage bait.’
Reviews by NBC News discovered that these videos frequently feature animals like pleco fish, snails, and insects, portraying them in distressing situations. Initial posts were found on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, with at least 49 accounts spreading this type of content. TikTok deleted some accounts citing policy violations, yet as of mid-May, more than 20 similar accounts remained. These videos have also appeared on platforms like YouTube and those owned by Meta.
Efforts to monitor such disturbing content on the internet remain complex. Engagement with content, whether positive or negative, often increases visibility, thus spreading these videos further. Nicola O’Brien, leading the Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition, noted the viral nature of content critique leading to wider dissemination. This situation mirrors past trends of animal abuse content.
Social media companies strive to moderate vast platforms with millions of users. Nevertheless, videos often escape automated detection, allowing wide circulation before removal. Unwanted videos engage audiences, attracting further views and interactions.
A TikTok spokesperson confirmed account removals after NBC’s alert and emphasized existing community guidelines against animal abuse. Users can report violations using app features. However, not all content gets flagged promptly or removed efficiently.
Despite TikTok’s efforts, accounts spreading pleco fish torture continue to proliferate. Meta has yet to comment. Who creates these videos or why remains unclear. The journey of content from Douyin to Western platforms highlights the challenges of cross-platform regulations and access restrictions.
“Unfortunately, fish are often not recognized for their capacity for suffering,” noted O’Brien, reflecting on why these videos persist.
Peter Li of the University of Houston, also a consultant for Humane World, mentioned a continuing trend of pleco fish abuse videos using AI. While China lacks comprehensive laws against animal cruelty, these videos remain challenging to penalize effectively. Douyin reportedly retains many flagged videos.
The species featured often receive little public empathy, diminishing motivations for internet policy enforcement. Li stressed that societal perceptions influence this gap, suggesting if inside passionate animals like cats or dogs were involved, outcomes could differ significantly.
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