What’s behind the teenage viral phenomenon that puts Instagram and TikTok on alert

YouTube It marked a before and after in the history of digital entertainment and the consumption of audiovisual content on the Internet. Its conception quickly positioned it as the second largest search engine in the world and an inspiration forum for all types of users, even beyond the video platform itself.

In Instagram and TikTok for example, a tag called ““YouTube Orange” began to gain notoriety in recent weeks.

Although it could be a new and revolutionary service or platform developed at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View (California, United States), in reality it is nothing more than a euphemism used by users to refer to the adult content site Pornhub.

This phenomenon quickly began to generate concern on these platforms, which try to maintain a safe environment free of inappropriate content for more than 3,500 users who consume them worldwide.

The use of this term arises as a strategy to evade strict moderation policies that platforms such as TikTok and Instagram apply. These social networks prohibit direct references to adult content, which has led users to resort to codes and metaphors. “YouTube Orange” combines the logo and concept of YouTube with the distinctive color of Pornhubcreating an association that is easily recognized by internet consumers.

On TikTok, the hashtag #YouTubeOrange accumulates millions of views, where users share comments, memes or even promotional content related to the popular pornography site. This phenomenon has a clear objective: leave exposed to the moderation systems of these platformswho face difficulties in identifying indirect or coded references.

The main concern lies in the involuntary exposure of minors to this type of content. Although TikTok and Instagram have moderation systems that discourage the publication of sexual or hateful content, terms like “YouTube Orange” allow you to circumvent the barriers imposed. This not only poses technical challenges for the platforms, but also ethical and socialby evidencing the ease with which minors can access or interact with inappropriate material.

According to recommendations from the Ministry of Justice of the Nation, parents should take precautions so that the TikTok algorithm does not expose minors to potential risks to their mental and physical health such as dependence on technology, viewing inappropriate content or technically suffering virtual harassment. called grooming.

Unlike the public option where everyone can freely access the posts, if an account is set to private, only those people who have previously been accepted as followers will be able to follow and view the videos. That is, no one will be able to access the material or activity without your prior authorization from an adult. From the Settings and privacy option you have to disable several functions: Recommend accounts to others, Download videos, “Only you” instead of “Allow Duos of” and “Allow Paste to”.

Instagram and Tiktok acknowledge having strengthened its efforts to detect and eliminate content that violates its regulations. However, the use of euphemisms and coded language represents a constant challenge. Furthermore, these networks are always criticized by the lack of effective tools to protect younger users.

When asked about ClarionHowever, both companies stated “they had nothing to say about it.”

Faced with this phenomenon, experts emphasize the importance of digital education and parental supervision. Teaching minors about the risks of the Internet and encouraging responsible use of social networks is crucial to minimizing exposure to inappropriate content.

The “YouTube Orange” case reflects a broader problem: the creativity of users in circumventing restrictions and the difficulty of platforms in keeping up with these tactics. In the future, it will be essential for social networks to develop more advanced tools and for users, especially younger ones, to receive adequate guidance to safely navigate the digital environment.