Should violent criminals be allowed on social media?

The successful TikTok career of a US school shooter has raised questions around the accessibility of online spaces.

Many people dream of going viral on social media. After all, it promises overnight fame and widespread influence.

The growing capability of almost anyone to gain internet notoriety has increasingly aroused controversy. Whether it’s a seemingly mindless dance video or a unique soundbite, people are turning into overnight sensations — and capitalising on it — for doing what looks like, well, nothing at all.

But a recent TikTok star has drawn a different kind of criticism, after amassing hundreds-of-thousands of followers despite his controversial background.

Jon Romano, a school shooter who was released from prison in 2020, has gone viral on the video streaming platform for publicly talking about his actions. Many believe he shouldn’t be allowed on social media at all.