Should TikTok consult with creators or influencers when drafting trend guidelines?

Consulting with creators or influencers when drafting trend guidelines can be beneficial for TikTok in several ways, but it needs to be approached thoughtfully and with clear objectives. Here are some considerations:

1. **Insights into Platform Dynamics**: Creators and influencers often have a deep understanding of TikTok's platform dynamics, trends, and user behavior. Consulting them can provide valuable insights into what trends are popular, how trends spread, and the potential impact of guidelines on content creation.

2. **Community Perspective**: Creators and influencers represent a significant segment of TikTok's community. Involving them in the guideline drafting process ensures that their perspectives and concerns are taken into account. This can lead to guidelines that are more relevant, practical, and acceptable to the user base.

3. **Promotion of Responsible Content**: Creators and influencers can advocate for responsible content creation practices within their communities. Consulting them can help TikTok promote guidelines that encourage positive and respectful interactions while discouraging harmful or inappropriate content.

4. **Feedback and Buy-in**: By involving creators and influencers in the guideline drafting process, TikTok can foster a sense of ownership and buy-in from key stakeholders. This may lead to greater adherence to guidelines and increased cooperation in promoting a safe and supportive platform environment.

5. **Risk Identification and Mitigation**: Creators and influencers are often at the forefront of new trends and challenges. They can help TikTok identify potential risks associated with trends early on, allowing for proactive measures to mitigate harm before it escalates.

6. **Balance of Perspectives**: Consulting with a diverse group of creators and influencers ensures that TikTok considers a range of perspectives and experiences. This can lead to guidelines that are more inclusive and culturally sensitive, reflecting the global nature of TikTok's user base.

However, it's essential for TikTok to approach this consultation process with clear guidelines and objectives to ensure that it remains productive and focused. It's also important to balance the input from creators and influencers with considerations of user safety, legal compliance, and broader community standards. Ultimately, consulting with creators and influencers can be a valuable strategy for TikTok to enhance its content moderation policies and foster a positive and supportive platform environment.