Amidst the flurry of Instagram reels, a delightful trend has emerged- the vibe check. Picture this: a host ventures onto the streets, armed with a quirky question or a harmless prank. Their target? A random passerby. If the unsuspecting participant keeps their cool and plays along, they’ve aced the vibe check.
In the age of social media and online validation by strangers, this behavior is accepted by the masses. Gen Z and millennials accept these online activities, while the older generation mostly sees them as unwanted shenanigans. The judgment is proper, while some older generations enjoy these mischievous pranks or social media experiments.
Psychologically speaking, a vibe refers to a particular mindset or ambiance that shapes a person’s or group’s environment and mentality. The vibe can be both positive and negative. One can sense a place’s vibe when visiting a new restaurant, holiday spot, or a normal household. In temples, one can feel the spiritual vibe. Similarly, haunted places give off spooky vibes, while bars, restaurants, and movie theaters offer a relaxed atmosphere. The vibe is almost exuberated from the place intrinsically.
For example, while shooting a reel, a teenager is dancing to a song. Her father, in the background, accidentally crosses the room. He sees what’s happening and tries to mimic the dance steps without his daughter’s knowledge. Then, according to social media, the uncle is said to have passed the vibe check.
These videos, filled with laughter and spontaneity, often get positive responses from the online community. This validation from strangers is a powerful catalyst, fueling creators to embark on more social media experiments. Yet if a vibe-check experiment falls flat, the creator and their content face harsh criticism.
The overall vibe check scene is primarily positive. Still, many everyday bystanders are negatively affected during the shooting of the reel or prank scene. This creates confusion and frustration while trying to get validation from online strangers. Anyway, the vibe check experiments are here to stay for a while. As social media and online culture evolve, vibe check experiments will develop, becoming more sophisticated or inclusive. Let’s see how they unfold in an evolved way soon.
The Witty Stride 