A recent TikTok video has sparked alarm and widespread discussion in Ethiopia after a content creator asked users: “What would you do if there were no law for 24 hours?” Shockingly, the comments section was flooded with responses suggesting sexual assault and rape, raising serious concerns about morality, societal values, and safety.

The disturbing comments reveal a grim truth: many individuals may only refrain from committing violent acts because of legal consequences, rather than a sense of morality, ethics, or fear of God. This is particularly alarming in a society where community and trust are essential, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue about respect, consent, and accountability.

Experts in psychology and sociology have long warned that comments like these are symptomatic of a deeper rape culture, where sexual violence is trivialized, normalized, or even joked about. The fact that these disturbing responses were so prevalent suggests that education about consent, respect, and personal boundaries is still urgently needed.

The Ethiopian context underscores a significant issue: laws alone are insufficient if people’s moral compass does not align with ethical behavior. The TikTok responses indicate that fear of punishment—not an intrinsic understanding of right and wrong—may be the only barrier preventing some from committing heinous acts.

The viral TikTok video may have been intended as entertainment, but it has served as a stark reminder: Ethiopia, like many societies, must confront attitudes that allow sexual violence to exist in thought if not yet in action. Encouraging empathy, respect, and moral integrity is essential to building a safer and more just society.