Buzz
This week, young audiences are diving into season 2 of The Witcher, exploring the challenges of virtual reality (hint: the real issue is human interaction), and having fun with classic glitter bomb pranks. Contrary to rumors, they are not using TikTok to threaten school shootings.
Is the TikTok School Shooting Warning for December 17 Genuine?
Every week, I promise myself I won’t address the latest TikTok panic, but the uproar over the 'December 17 TikTok school shooting challenge' among parents and schools forces me to. Let me reiterate: Despite widespread warnings from news outlets, schools, and law enforcement about a supposed TikTok threat, there’s no proof such a threat exists. While countless posts discuss the alleged challenge, no actual threat has been found on TikTok.
As expected, TikTok reiterated their official statement, partly stating: 'We have found no proof of such threats originating or spreading on TikTok.'
School shootings are tragically frequent, and while no one can guarantee one won’t occur on a specific day, it’s unlikely to be tied to a TikTok challenge. However, the frenzy around the alleged threat might inadvertently inspire someone.
I recognize the heightened anxiety following the recent Michigan shooting, but TikTok was not the cause. Preventing school shootings remains a complex issue—beyond the controversial idea of gun control—but blaming social media or fueling panic isn’t productive. For insight into how young people are genuinely discussing school shootings on TikTok, a video by a Sandy Hook survivor offers valuable perspective.
The Witcher makes a comeback with its second season
In the realm of witch hunts, The Witcher has returned to Netflix for its second season! The timing couldn’t be better—fantasy enthusiasts have faced a drought of quality content in recent years. With so much time spent indoors, the lack of compelling shows has been noticeable. (I even resorted to watching part of the first Hobbit movie out of sheer desperation.)
Though The Witcher doesn’t quite match the grandeur of Game of Thrones, it delivers a satisfying dose of swords and sorcery when you need it. Sure, it’s a bit inconsistent and sometimes cheesy, but it features magical spells, epic armor, world-saving quests, and even elves! It’s more than enough to keep you entertained.
Harassment in virtual reality
The 2021 Game Awards: Winners and Major Announcements
This week’s annual Game Awards celebrated the best games of the year while unveiling exciting new projects. The most buzzworthy reveal (at least for me) was the announcement of a sequel to the horror classic Alan Wake, set for release in 2023. Fans of movie and comic book adaptations can also look forward to games featuring Wonder Woman, The Matrix, Suicide Squad, and Star Wars. Among the winners, It Takes Two took home Game of the Year, while Kena: Bridge of Spirits claimed the title of best indie game. For a complete rundown, check out the full list of winners here.
Viral video of the week: ‘EXPLODING Glitter Bomb 4.0 vs. Package Thieves’
The holiday season brings cherished traditions, and one of YouTube’s most anticipated events is engineer Mark Rober’s annual Glitter Bomb video. Rober dedicates months to crafting intricate fake packages designed to lure porch pirates. When stolen, these boxes unleash a chaotic mix of glitter, foul-smelling spray, flashing police lights, and iconic quotes from Home Alone. The entire spectacle is captured from multiple angles, adding to the dramatic effect.
While I have ethical reservations about turning the punishment of petty thieves—often driven by desperation—into entertainment, YouTube audiences clearly disagree. The Glitter Bomb 4.0 video has been shared 13 million times since its recent upload. Notably, some thieves seemed to recognize the glitter trap immediately upon opening the package, a testament to the videos’ widespread popularity.
