Buzz
Listening to today's youth feels like deciphering an alien dialect! What on earth is 'locktober'? And why are they mentioning 'mind goblins'? Whatever happened to plain English, the way we spoke in the golden days? It seems like society is crumbling, with youngsters wearing baggy pants and abandoning traditional values.
To assist the older generation, I’m here to unravel some of these modern terms. Additionally, I’ll explore the resurgence of '90s nostalgia (yet again) and delve into the buzz surrounding a polarizing content creator whose videos are taking the internet by storm.
Unpacking the Term: What Does 'Locktober' Mean?
(Note: This trend is popular among young adults, not children.)
Locktober is a month-long celebration for those who choose celibacy voluntarily, unlike incels. This BDSM tradition involves men securing their genitals in a cage and entrusting the key to a partner for the entire month of October. Who knew October was about more than just pumpkins and fall festivities?
While Locktober appears to be more prevalent (or at least more talked about) within the LGBTQ+ community, there are also straight participants who embrace the practice. The motivations vary: some seek a sense of submission, others aim to recalibrate their sexual desires, and undoubtedly, a few are eagerly anticipating an eventful start to November.
Decoding the Term: What Is a 'Mind Goblin'?
To understand what a 'mind goblin' is, let’s imagine a hypothetical dialogue:
Me: I’ve been dealing with this issue involving a mind goblin.
You: Wait, what’s a mind goblin?
Me: Mind gobblin’ deez nutz?
(At this moment, you’d be completely roasted.)
That’s essentially the whole concept of a mind goblin—it’s simply the latest twist on classics like up dog or ligma. Try it on someone younger in the next few minutes, and you might just catch them off guard.
AI-Created ‘90s Yearbook Photos Dominate Social Media Feeds
This week’s viral social media trend involves using AI to create images of yourself as if you were featured in a 1990s yearbook. These nostalgic visuals are primarily generated by Epik, a photo-editing app currently leading the download charts on the Apple App Store.
Here’s how it works: Upload 8 to 12 photos, pay $5.99, and within hours, you’ll receive 60 enhanced images portraying you as a 1990s archetype—whether a jock, a fashion enthusiast, a cheerleader, or a nerd. In essence, it’s a lighthearted trend that’s proving highly profitable.
Heads up: If you already have real yearbook photos from the 1990s, this trend might not appeal to you and could even evoke a sense of melancholy.
This Week’s Viral Video: John Romano’s TikTok Page—A School Shooter Speaks
Jon Romano’s videos have recently gone viral, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok, with millions of views. Operating under the handle “Jonseekingpeace,” Romano primarily shares his story about the 2004 school shooting he carried out at 16, occasionally touching on his recent sword attack at a homeless shelter. If you’re curious, here’s a video where he recounts his experience.
Unsurprisingly, this has sparked debate. Some applaud his bravery, while others criticize him for profiting from an attempted murder, highlighting his racist remarks and urging him to stay silent.
The teacher he shot survived, and Romano served 17 years of a 20-year prison sentence. He claims to be reformed, dedicating his life to mental health advocacy and preventing school shootings. I remain unconvinced.
While I find his videos intriguing and appreciate their existence, I’m hesitant about young fans idolizing him. I listen to Romano with skepticism, a trait of my middle-aged perspective. Many of his young followers, however, seem to trust his words. Whether it’s problematic for kids to hear a convicted shooter discuss shame or tell them “it’s never too late” depends on your belief in redemption. He might be an attention-seeking figure capitalizing on his past, or perhaps he’s genuinely reformed—anything’s possible—but I wouldn’t bet on it.
