What is a 'LOLCow'? TikTok's Guilty Pleasure Approaches Harassment.
Audiences on social media are laughing with creators and, at times, at them.
As digital culture has evolved, the obsession with the term "LOLCow" has persisted, albeit in a different environment. When people search for "LOLCow" on the internet, they often encounter an old blog focused on sharing gossip and opinions about individuals considered absurd or foolish. According to Urban Dictionary, a LOLCow is an easy person to "milk" for laughter without their awareness. This notion, although it seems new on platforms like TikTok, has roots in the early days of the internet, where anonymous accounts fueled digital harassment.
Currently, new platforms have made it easier for the public to access figures deemed LOLCows. Apps like TikTok allow some creators to achieve fame almost overnight, turning them into viral stars. This has led to their online personas, many of which are based on being the subject of mockery, becoming a source of income. However, the environment is prone to manipulation, as sometimes harassment and cruelty are disguised as support and community.
A disturbing aspect is how some of these figures are perceived. A TikTok creator described as a LOLCow is seen as a victim of behavior reminiscent of bullying, where viewers interact in superficially positive ways. This prompts reflection on the nature of "milking" LOLCows, which can be interpreted as modern bullying dressed up as fun. Comments on videos and social media highlight the complexity of the intentions of those engaging in this dynamic, where some seem genuinely compassionate and others merely seek entertainment at the expense of others.
Society's focus on these "laughing cows" has also extended to public figures with problematic behaviors. From intense coverage of YouTube stars to bullying on social platforms, the phenomenon manifests as a culture of voyeuristic observation, where the actions of these individuals are the subject of continuous analysis and mockery.
TikTok, in turn, has been labeled a true "factory of LOLCows," where the content is not only designed for entertainment but also to critique differences. This endless cycle of comments, which sometimes disguise harassment as random tribute, fosters a parasocial relationship with creators, who, despite the ridicule, often see their lives directly tied to their fame and economic livelihood.
Over time, ridiculed creators have begun to adapt, with many exploring adult content or commercial collaborations to capitalize on their viral success. This raises an ethical dilemma in the digital community, questioning whether interactions with these figures stem from a place of empathy or are merely for laughing at them. The recent resurgence of the term LOLCow indicates a growing debate about the social and ethical implications that arise in the social media era, prompting reflection on how entertainment should not come at the expense of others' suffering.