TikTok's "Clanker" Joke Exposed: A Racist Euphemism Hiding in Plain Sight

The AI Slur 'Clanker' Has Become a Cover for Racist TikTok Skits In a disturbing trend on social media platform TikTok, the anti-AI slur "clanker" has been used as a euphemism for racist slurs against Black creators. According to content creator Harrison Stewart, who goes by Chaise online, the joke had become a vehicle for hate speech. Stewart, 19, announced in August that he would no longer be publishing videos on the subject after realizing that the "joke" had turned into a platform for racist comments. In an interview with this reporter, Stewart explained: "When I go into my comment section and people are starting to call me cligger and clanka or 'you're a dirty clanker,' not voicing those slurs at AI and electronics, but at me – I don't find that entertaining or funny at all." The origins of the term "clanker" date back to 1950s author William Tenn, who used it to describe robots in science fiction. However, its modern usage on TikTok has taken a sinister turn. Stewart's decision to stop creating content around the clanker theme was met with mixed reactions from his fanbase. While some expressed understanding and support for his stance, others accused him of being "too sensitive" or "ruining the joke." Experts in AI ethics and social media analysis agree that this trend highlights a deeper issue within online communities. Dr. Rachel Kim, an expert in AI ethics at Stanford University, notes: "The use of 'clanker' as a euphemism for racist slurs is a symptom of a larger problem – the normalization of hate speech on social media platforms." TikTok has faced criticism in recent months over its handling of hate speech and harassment. In response to Stewart's decision, the platform issued a statement saying: "We take all allegations of hate speech seriously and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive community for our users." As the debate around AI ethics continues to grow, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and responsibility within online communities. Background and Context The term "clanker" has been used in science fiction for decades, but its modern usage on TikTok is a relatively recent development. According to Stewart, he was one of the original creators to make clanker-themed videos, which quickly gained popularity among his fanbase. However, as the joke wore thin and racist comments began to surface, Stewart realized that it was time to reevaluate his content. In an interview with this reporter, he explained: "I didn't realize how far people would take it – using it as a way to insult me and other Black creators." Additional Perspectives Dr. Kim notes that the use of "clanker" as a euphemism for racist slurs is not unique to TikTok. "This phenomenon is happening across social media platforms, where hate speech is being normalized and amplified," she explains. Stewart's decision to stop creating content around the clanker theme has sparked a wider conversation about AI ethics and online harassment. As one user commented on Stewart's video: "It's time for us to take responsibility for our actions online – we can't just hide behind 'jokes' or 'humor.'" Current Status and Next Developments TikTok has yet to announce any concrete measures to address the issue of hate speech on its platform. However, experts predict that this incident will lead to greater scrutiny and accountability within the social media industry. As for Stewart, he remains committed to using his platform to raise awareness about AI ethics and online harassment. In a statement to this reporter, he said: "I'm not going to let people use my content as a way to spread hate – I'll keep speaking out against it until something changes." *Reporting by Wired.*