How TikTok is turning public life into a game

Opinion piece published in the Gold Coast Bulletin examining the rise of Scientology speedrunning as a viral social media trend. The article explains speedrunning through a digital media and game culture lens, outlining how gaming behaviours such as rule-testing, optimisation, spectacle, platform reward systems and repeatable challenge formats can move into public spaces. It highlights the distinction between online intent and real-world impact, including risks for staff, police, bystanders and young participants, and argues for stronger media literacy around how platform attention can turn public behaviour into performative, game-like activity.