The High Stakes of Somali TikTok Battles: A Personal Journey

Zara, a Somali-American in her 20s, divulges how her passion for TikTok's live battles drained her savings intended for university. Initially drawn to the excitement of competing for clan pride, she later faced harassment and emotional turmoil from other users, revealing the toxic underbelly of these online games and the impact of clannism in the digital age.

In the bustling world of TikTok, Zara—an alias for a Somali-American woman in her 20s—found herself entranced by the live battles featuring influencers from her cultural background. With clan pride at stake in these high-stakes challenges, Zara became a financial participant long before she realized the dark implications of her actions. Rather than focusing on her university education, Zara spent over $7,000 on influencing competitions that can be both entertaining and, at times, hostile.

Known as the Big Tribal Game, these live events see influencers representing various Somali clans exchanging banter and insults while attempting to outdo each other in terms of financial support from their audience. During peak hours, tens of thousands of viewers tune in, creating an atmosphere charged with rivalry and camaraderie. Influencers often hype their audience beforehand, generating anticipation and excitement leading up to the battles.

Zara recalls the thrill of "winning" for her clan, remembering each victory as a moment of personal pride. Unfortunately, the joy was soon overshadowed by feelings of guilt and addiction—she feared revealing her expenditures to her family, knowing they would disapprove of her priorities. The allure of winning quickly became overshadowed by dark encounters from other users, including threats and harassment aimed particularly at women.

One male influencer, who gained notoriety for his aggressive tactics, threatened to expose manipulated photos of Zara, leaving her in a state of anxiety. Despite reaching out to TikTok for help, Zara felt unsupported when the account remained unresolved for an extended period. Only after further media scrutiny did TikTok act against the influencer for violating community standards.

As Zara reflected on the escalating tensions and aggression fueled by clan rivalry, she was not alone in her concerns. Many observers note that the Big Tribal Game has harmful effects on Somali social dynamics, especially since clan identities are deeply entrenched in Somalia's historical conflicts. Critically, analysts point to a disconcerting irony—that those who fled violence in their homeland find themselves perpetuating harmful narratives and divisive rhetoric online.

Beyond Zara's personal experience lies a broader conversation about social media's influence on society. With clannism resurfacing in virtual arenas, there are fears it may contribute to real-world tensions. Influencers, often cashing in on their engagement, may inadvertently invite conflict instead of unity, especially considering the backdrop of post-civil war Somalia.

While TikTok battles continue to enthrall many—including politicians and ordinary citizens—there are calls to redirect the financial resources spent in these virtual arenas toward tangible community development and assistance within Somalia. The contrast between lavish spending in TikTok battles, while the country seeks humanitarian aid, highlights an underlying tension wrought with social implications.