In the latest exploration of youthful cultural trends, the spotlight shines on a heated debate regarding the treatment of robots, the quirky TikTok phenomenon focused on sticks, and a cautionary tale about saying “sigh name cuff” on video. This segment also features alerts about perilous TikTok challenges and a discussion on the art of gleeking.

Video Sensation of the Week: Kai Cenat’s $70,000 Robot Purchase

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Famous YouTuber and Twitch personality Kai Cenat has sparked intense online conversation with his latest viral video. During a live event, he and his friends showcased a $70,000 humanoid robot, proceeding to assemble and test its capabilities. Initially, the scene was lighthearted, highlighting both sophisticated and unsettling technology. However, it soon turned controversial as the group began to kick, shove, and knock down the robot, with one moment visually suggesting the robot might attempt a retreat. For those interested, here’s a link to that segment.

This incident ignited discussions online regarding whether roughhousing a lifelike machine indicates deeper issues or if it’s simply harmless fun. As pointed out by Ian Miles Cheong on X:

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In my view, the video is amusing and poses no real threat. Robots aren’t living beings and lack consciousness, so the acts shown are not cruel. It doesn’t reveal anything sinister about the individuals involved, much like indulging in virtual violence in video games doesn’t make someone a threat. Nonetheless, it’s understandable why some viewers may find the depiction unsettling. Despite recognizing that my sympathy for the robot is ill-placed, its helplessness evokes a certain compassion.

While this distortion may seem trivial, as machines edge closer to experiencing something akin to consciousness, society may soon find itself grappling with questions regarding their rights and our ethical responsibilities towards them. This is why expressing gratitude to devices like Siri feels prudent; who knows, it might come in handy down the line. As for Cenat, he might already be on the robot’s bad list.

Introducing StickTok: The Stick Community

The beauty of TikTok lies in its ability to cater to every conceivable interest, including a niche dedicated to discovering and showcasing unique sticks. This is the realm of StickTok and StickNation, where enthusiasts celebrate sticks resembling swords,

sticks meant for smashing items,

magical wand-like sticks,

and virtually any type of stick imaginable. For stick aficionados, these platforms offer a welcoming community. Plus, it’s a far less expensive means of garnering attention than investing in a $70,000 robot.

Understanding “Gleeking”

There was chatter about gleeking—spitting from underneath the tongue, often during yawns—back in the days of high school, and now it’s enjoying a resurgence among younger crowds. Gleeking has transcended generations and is currently trending on TikTok, with how-to tutorials racking up hundreds of thousands of views and some declaring they’re hooked on it. Interestingly, fervent fans of the show Glee also refer to themselves as “gleeks,” so the hashtag is buzzing. Moreover, the etymology of “gleek” remains unclear: it was used by Shakespeare in reference to jesting before evolving into the term for saliva projection. Despite its 1980s popularity, the means of dissemination pre-internet remains a mystery!

(For a complete slang guide on today’s youth vernacular, a comprehensive list is maintained here.)

TikTok Safety Alerts: Avoid These Hazards

This segment continues the lengthy series “Avoid Every Trend You Encounter Online,” highlighting the questionable activities young individuals pursue after viewing them on TikTok.

Do Not Consume Tiramisu from Your Vehicle’s Cup Holder

A recent video showcasing the method of indulging in tiramisu from a car’s center console should not be replicated!

As experts like Dr. Shivram Singh point out, “Storing and consuming food within your vehicle can severely increase the risk of bacterial growth, leading to various health issues.”

Do Not Shave Your Eyelashes for a Masculine Look

Some young men are engaging in bizarre behaviors surrounding masculinity, including shaving their eyelashes to abide by twisted perceptions of attractiveness. While a chat with an ophthalmologist hasn’t happened, it’s widely known that eyelashes ward off dirt and debris. If trying to appeal to women involves this type of drastic change, perhaps other underlying issues require attention.

Do Not Rub Banana Peels on Your Skin

The validity of this practice is debatable. Certain beauty influencers show before-and-after effects of using banana peels on the face, claiming they offer natural anti-aging benefits. Skincare authority Dr. Dave Reilly notes, “While banana peel does contain antioxidants, they won’t effectively penetrate the skin when applied topically. Additionally, the concentration of lutein is too minimal to yield noteworthy results.” So while this method may not be outright dangerous, it’s wise to approach it with caution. However, for those curious about the rumored effect of smoking banana peels, that’s information best kept between friends.

The Meaning Behind “Sigh Name Cuff”

If a young individual directs a camera towards you and requests you to pronounce “Sigh Name Cuff,” comply, but remain aware of the implications.

Once filmed, they will reverse the video, making it sound as if you said something quite inappropriate rather than “sigh name cuff.” This phenomenon echoes the concept of backwards masking prevalent in certain music genres, except without the associations to the supernatural.

A demonstration of this trend can be found in the following video:

For a plethora of examples, you can check this collection.