'Why I spent my university fees on Somali TikTok battles'

Zara, a young woman in her twenties with Somali heritage, has become deeply involved in the world of TikTok, particularly in its live battle feature. This feature allows two influencers to compete against each other, often in a humorous and entertaining way, while encouraging their followers to send them virtual gifts. These gifts are crucial for winning the battles, and Zara has spent an astonishing amount of money—over $7,000—on these competitions, money that was originally meant for her university education. She admits that if her parents were to find out about her spending habits, they would be devastated. Zara describes her experience as somewhat addictive, as she found excitement in supporting her clan and celebrating their victories. However, as she became more involved, she discovered a much darker side to these battles.

The TikTok battles are not just light-hearted fun; they can also become quite intense and aggressive. The influencers often represent different Somali clans, and the competition can lead to heated exchanges filled with insults. This aspect of the battles can be particularly troubling, as it sometimes brings up painful memories from the Somali civil war, which lasted for many years. Zara has witnessed troubling behavior from some influencers, including a male influencer who has made threats against women, including herself. He has been known to threaten to share manipulated images of women, which has caused Zara significant distress. She reported this influencer to TikTok, but felt that the platform did not take her concerns seriously.

The impact of these battles extends beyond just entertainment; they raise serious concerns about the online community and the potential for fostering negative behavior. Moustafa Ahmad, a security researcher, highlights the irony that many people who fled Somalia to escape conflict are now perpetuating the same issues online. The Big Tribal Game has gained popularity not only in the United States but also in Somalia, where discussions about the battles occur in cafes and among friends. Influencer Bilaal Bulshawi, who has a significant following, has expressed concern over the amount of money being spent on these battles. He believes that this money could be better utilized to address the pressing issues facing Somalia, which is in need of support and assistance. The phenomenon of the Big Tribal Game raises important questions about the role of social media in shaping cultural identities and the potential consequences of online behavior.