It takes roughly half a second to let your thumb betray your better judgement. You spot a mildly enraging headline or a video of a suspicious animal doing something physically impossible, and before the critical part of your brain engages, you have already hit share.
If this sounds familiar, recent data commissioned by TikTok Australia proves you are in excellent company. An alarming 38% of Australians admit to sharing information with others before verifying its authenticity, while nearly a quarter regularly react to online content without checking if it is entirely true.
Rather than issuing another dry corporate warning about the dangers of the internet, TikTok has decided to try a completely different approach to combat our collective gullibility. Today, they launched an original commercial track called Catch, Check, Choose. Written, produced, and performed by musician and creator Dom Littrich, the song aims to turn digital literacy into an earworm.
@tiktok_australia CATCH, CHECK, CHOOSE. If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Detective Twisty is on the case to teach people to stop and think before responding or reacting 🔎 Critical thinking doesn't have to be complicated. Remember the three Cs: – Catch yourself. – Check the facts. – Choose what to do next. Written, produced, and performed by @Dom Littrich and TikTok AUNZ. Listen on Spotify via link in bio #CatchCheckChoose #CriticalThinking ♬ original sound – TikTok Australia
The Three-Step Routine for Digital Survival
The initiative centres around a highly practical framework designed to break the habit of impulsive clicking. Developed in consultation with leading digital safety experts, including Susan McLean, the founder of Cyber Safety Solutions, the methodology asks users to follow a basic routine:
- Catch yourself before reacting
- Check the facts, and
- Choose what to do next
In the accompanying music video, Littrich plays “Detective Twisty,” a character who walks viewers through everyday digital traps. From phishing text messages allegedly sent by an obscure relative to sophisticated, AI-generated deepfakes, the approach uses entertainment to land a highly practical message: when in doubt, take a breath and think.
The song, music video, and dance moves are designed to educate through entertainment, exploring common traps that many Aussies encounter daily. ‘Detective Twisty’, played by Littrich, debunks the suspicious situations from AI-generated bunnies to a phishing text from ‘Uncle Paul’, and uses humour to land how, in moments of doubt, remind yourself to Catch, Check, Choose.
The three-step framework was developed in consultation with leading experts, including the founder of Cyber Safety Solutions, Susan McLean.
“People of all ages can encounter misinformation, or scams, and responding or sharing this information presents an issue no matter how old or young. Platforms have a responsibility to ensure that their users are both protected and educated, and it’s great to see TikTok addressing the issue of critical thinking through a fun, catchy song and video. The Three C’s are great tools and encourages users to Catch yourself before reacting, Check the facts, and Choose what to do next.”
The True Cost of Clicking Too Fast
While amplifying a fake news story might seem harmless on the surface, the research highlights a more complicated psychological impact. A quarter of Australians report feeling embarrassed, annoyed, or frustrated after discovering they have shared misleading information.
Yet, only 26% of those people actually go back to remove or correct their mistake. This reluctance is often driven by shame, creating a cycle where misinformation remains visible simply because users are too self-conscious to admit they were deceived.
To normalise these digital missteps and encourage more open conversations, TikTok has enlisted a diverse group of prominent creators. Deaf actor and storyteller David Grant, medical professional Dr Mustafa, pop culture commentator Aicha Robertson, and TikTok Granny Lorraine are all sharing their personal experiences with online deception to prove that anyone can be tricked.
Making Critical Thinking Memorable
The campaign includes a bespoke dance routine. Choreographed by Stephen Tannos, known for his work on major television productions alongside artists like Rita Ora, the theory is straightforward: if you cannot get the melody and the moves out of your head, you might actually remember to question that suspicious text message.
The campaign has also secured backing from major Australian institutions, including the Australian Medical Association, national banks, telecommunications providers, and law enforcement agencies. This widespread support highlights that digital safety is no longer just an individual responsibility, but a collective priority.
Critical thinking does not need to be complicated. The next time you encounter an unbelievable deal or a bizarre news snippet, remember to catch your initial reaction, check the facts, and choose your next move wisely.
The track is currently available on Spotify and TikTok via @domlittrich and @tiktok_australia.
