Uncomfortable Research Reveals: Top U.S. Social Media Users who Elicit Discomfort in Droves
In a recent survey of 3,000 Americans, several cringe-inducing social media trends have been identified, particularly on TikTok, known for its viral and sometimes awkward content. The trends that were found most cringe-worthy often blend humor with awkward or exaggerated social behaviors.
The "Said No One Ever" trend, where creators say hilariously unlikely or absurd statements marked with the caption "said no one ever," is one such example. This sarcastic and chaotic trend mixes cringe with comedy and is fueled by Gen Z’s ironic humor.
Another cringe-worthy trend is the "Calling to Say Goodnight," where users call exes, old coworkers, or former friends out of the blue just to say "goodnight." The reactions captured range from confused to amused, making the interaction awkward and cringe-inducing for many viewers.
Lip-sync duets with dramatic overacting, like the "Your Love Is My Drug" duet trend, are also considered cringe. These fast-paced lip-syncs with friends, often over-the-top and chaotic, add to the cringe factor when performance energy is exaggerated.
Other cringe moments come from creators joking about "mugging" on a hot girl walk by exposing embarrassing songs playing through headphones, or influencers de-influencing by calling out corporate scams. These skits highlight socially awkward or embarrassing real-life moments that many find hilarious but also cringe-worthy.
These trends reflect a mix of comedy, awkward social interactions, and exaggerated performances that many Americans find embarrassing or "cringe," but they remain popular due to their relatable or ironic nature. The study’s focus on TikTok trends illustrates how cringe culture is largely shaped by Gen Z and Millennial content creators using humor to connect, even if it sometimes makes viewers uncomfortable.
In terms of city rankings, New York City and Los Angeles top the list as the most cringiest cities for social media usage, with 69% and 78% of their social media posters participating in cringe behavior, respectively. Seattle, Washington, Nashville, and Atlanta follow closely behind.
However, New Hampshire placed 2nd for cringiest social media usage, and Iowa ranked as the #1 most "cringe-worthy" social media users by 69% of Americans. Other cities such as Dallas, Tampa, Salt Lake City, and Orlando also have a significant number of residents participating in cringe social media behavior.
Posting overly filtered or photoshopped pictures, posting a picture of just their legs at a pool/beach, and using cliché quotes like "good vibes only" are also considered cringe-inducing trends on social media. Lip-syncing to songs in stories and recreating TikTok dances are also considered cringe by many Americans.
Despite these trends, some cities have managed to avoid the cringe label. New Mexico ranked #1 for least cringe social media usage, and D.C. comes in 2nd place for its cool social media presence. Louisiana ranked #3 coolest social media users in the US.
In conclusion, while cringe culture on social media may be pervasive, it is important to remember that these trends are often driven by humor and relatability. As content creators continue to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable, it is up to each individual to decide what they find cringe-worthy and what they find entertaining.
- In the vast realm of online activities, a blog focusing on lifestyles could discuss the intersection of entertainment and education-and-self-development, analyzing the rise of cringe-worthy trends on TikTok, such as the "Said No One Ever" trend, the "Calling to Say Goodnight" trend, Lip-sync duets, and skits involving awkward social situations, exploring how these trends reflect a unique blend of humor, irony, and social awkwardness.
- As part of a broader discussion on city rankings, a podcast might delve into the surprising finding that despite the high-profile status of New York City and Los Angeles, a majority of social media users in New Hampshire and Iowa engage in behaviors deemed as cringe-inducing, challenging the common perception that coastal cities are the epicenters of online cringeworthy trends.
