Buzz
This week’s exploration into the quirky realms of youth culture highlights various forms of risk! From interacting with unknown individuals on the internet to navigating first dates and striving for scientific breakthroughs, the dangers are plentiful. However, let’s start with the risks associated with posting unusual tweets.
Exploring the Origins of the “This is Miyamoto” Meme
Nintendo recently announced a delay in the U.S. release of the animated Super Mario Bros. movie, moving it from December to May 2023. While disappointing, especially considering the widespread enthusiasm for Chris Pratt’s portrayal of Mario, the delay gained viral attention not due to fan frustration, but because of Nintendo’s unique approach. They shared the news via a tweet allegedly from renowned game director Shigeru Miyamoto, starting with “This is Miyamoto,” which sparked a wave of memes.
FBI Alerts Teens About Rising ‘Sextortion’ Scams
If you’re acquainted with a young individual who spends considerable time online, it’s crucial to inform them about the FBI’s recent advisory on the surge in “sextortion” crimes. These schemes vary but typically involve a scammer posing as a female on social media, gaining the trust of a young person, and coercing them into sharing explicit images. The scammer then blackmails the victim, threatening to distribute the photos to their contacts unless a ransom is paid. In some cases, they demand additional photos or claim to have hacked existing ones. While adults might dismiss such threats with indifference, teenagers lack the experience to identify such scams or the cynicism to disregard them. The FBI encourages victims to report these incidents, assuring them they won’t face repercussions.
This Week’s Online Threats
Continuing the theme of internet dangers, this marks installment 463 of my extensive series titled “Avoid These Online Pitfalls.”
Avoid attempting to create fake freckles using hair dye, even if it’s trending on TikTok.
Refrain from using electricity to embellish wood, even if it’s showcased on TikTok.
Do not kick random doors and flee, even if it’s a TikTok trend.
Do not vape and drive while testifying in one of the most high-profile court cases ever. On second thought, go ahead—it’s undeniably bold.
Dating Disasters on TikTok
TikTok user Taypole recently shared a horrific Tinder date story that’s now viral. According to her video, her date invited her to his place and forced her to watch him practice golf for three hours. (I considered a “heavy putting” joke but thought better of it.) Taypole’s ordeal sparked my curiosity about TikTok’s bad dating stories, and sure enough, they exist! The #WorstDateStory hashtag is filled with cringe-worthy, terrifying, and heartbreaking tales, like a woman whose date committed a felony mid-meal, another whose Tinder match took her to a church to intrude on a wedding, and a guy whose date believed she was a mermaid.
Viral Video of the Week: The Man Who Accidentally Caused the Most Deaths in History
Who is responsible for the most deaths? Stalin? Hitler? Genghis Khan? Nope. This week’s viral video, “The Man Who Accidentally Killed the Most People In History” by Veritasium, reveals the shocking answer: Thomas Midgley. Midgley’s actions led to millions of deaths, reduced global IQ levels, and potentially accelerated humanity’s demise—all through science. He introduced lead into gasoline, causing countless fatalities and intellectual decline. Not stopping there, Midgley pioneered the use of freon in refrigerators, which contributed to ozone depletion and global warming. Ironically, he was killed by one of his own inventions. This bizarre and fascinating story is detailed here.
