The Children Of the Waning Star, A TikTok Cult

iNTRODUCTION 

Just how easily influenced can people really be? This question becomes increasingly relevant in the age of social media, where the lines between reality and virtuality blur, and where communities can form and dissolve in the blink of an eye. If any story could serve as a stark indicator of how profoundly people's lives can be impacted by the dynamics of online interactions, it would undoubtedly be that of ‘The Children Of The Waning Star' (TCOTWS). This narrative is not merely an anecdote; it serves as a cautionary tale, urging individuals to conduct thorough research and exercise discernment before immersing themselves in any community, regardless of its nature. From the alarming emergence of an online cult to the disturbing trend of children getting tattoos, and even allegations of animal sacrifice, TCOTWS exemplifies the potential consequences of blind allegiance to digital movements and the necessity for critical thinking in the face of social media influence.

How it started 

On the 11th of July this year, a post by a TikToker named Gigi Jarvis ignited a wave of intrigue and controversy when she began documenting the creation of her cult, which she later named “The Children Of The Waning Star.” In her initial posts, Gigi appeared to invite her audience into a collaborative creative process, asking them to help conceptualise the cult by suggesting names, establishing a national holiday, and even designing the cult’s symbol—a thumbprint beside a star emoji. This interactive approach seemed to resonate with many, as she engaged her followers in discussions about what creature they should worship, posing questions about whether this entity should be the waning star itself or a distinct being that serves as its guardian. The playful and seemingly innocent nature of her content contributed to the initial allure of TCOTWS, drawing in a diverse group of participants eager to be part of something unique and imaginative.

Why it gained popularity

Initially, individuals joined this cult under the impression that it would mirror other “PFP cults,” where participants with matching profile pictures form a lighthearted community based on shared humour or inside jokes. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted when unsettling rumours began to circulate regarding animal sacrifice and skin carvings associated with the cult. This unexpected turn of events left many who had joined TCOTWS ‘on accident’ feeling alarmed and confused. Reports of online harassment and doxxing—defined as the act of publicly exposing someone's private information, such as their real name or address, on the Internet by the urban dictionary—surfaced as former members sought to distance themselves from the increasingly sinister allegations. The situation escalated further when some members claimed to have encountered a mysterious entity or spirit, prompting Gigi to respond by creating a video in which she urged her followers to name this being so that they could worship it and offer sacrifices, deepening the cult's mystique and drawing in even more attention.

Repercussions 

In light of the violent behaviours exhibited by certain members of her community and the ensuing backlash, Jarvis felt compelled to address the growing concerns in a subsequent video. In this clip, she asserted that ‘The Children Of The Waning Star’ is not a cult but rather a community that embraces “dark aesthetics.” She further claimed that she was allegedly unaware of the potential repercussions of labeling her community as a cult, a statement that raised eyebrows among many viewers. Gigi denied the allegations of animal sacrifice, insisting that there was no substantial evidence to support such claims. This response elicited a mixed bag of reactions from TikTok users; while some sympathized with Gigi, viewing her as a victim of miscommunication, others expressed skepticism regarding her understanding of the implications of using the term ‘cult.’ Critics pointed out that her educational background—a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Kennesaw State University, as noted on her LinkedIn—suggests that she should have been aware of the weight that such terminology carries. The debate surrounding her accountability continues to unfold, illustrating the complex interplay between social media, community dynamics, and individual responsibility.