What is the 'Pass or Smash' TikTok trend? Game receives flak after users share their preferences online
TikTok, this generation's trendsetting social media platform, has often been blasted for allowing trends and challenges that have proved dangerous, and in some cases, led to deaths. Other trends, however, went viral for their fun elements. One such TikTok trend, 'Smash or pass', has received its share of criticism as well as an appreciation for its 'simplicity'.
The trend is set to YouTuber Markiplier‘s voice, but he apparently did not launch the trend on TikTok. It was launched by a user named @realtormarketing, who used the audio of the popular YouTuber saying "pass", followed by a pause and then "smash." The audio was taken from one of Markiplier‘s original YouTube videos in which he decides whether to pass on or smash all 898 Pokémon. The video soon became an Internet meme.
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What is the 'Pass or Smash' trend on TikTok?
@realtormarketing initially used the audio clip on TikTok to reveal what she enjoys and what she does not about her job as a realtor, passing on things like old calling, door knocking, and open houses. On the other hand, “making fun videos on social media” received a "smash."
TikTok users then started trying to expand on this concept. Content creators used this audio to reveal their preferences in various topics, such as activities, preferences in men, and eye colors. Among many, one popular video was made by Patrick Kelly (@_patrickkelly) in which he decides what kind of activities he could do after work. He humorously passes on productive activities and chooses to "rot in bed for the rest of the night."
Controversies around the trend
There were reports of online sexual harassment in two high schools in America allegedly in connection with the trend. Students at one of these schools were accused of evaluating other students' physical appearances using this trend on Twitter. The video was widely viewed and received untoward remarks. School administrators later discovered the account and reportedly removed the students responsible for it. In another case, two male students were reportedly accused of rating the sexual desirability of girls in the local area in DeWitt, New York, as per Wikipedia.
Among some who disapproved of the trend, American security scholar Joan Johnson-Freese slammed it saying it leads to the "objectification of women". Arielle Richards of Vice News, on the other hand, said that "the real beauty of smash or pass is in its simplicity." She also acknowledged that the trend could be misused. Among others who reacted to the trend was Steph Panecasio of CNET, who said, "There's no untoward behavior, this is all in the name of good fun." American communication researchers Nathian Shae Rodriguez and Terri Hernandez said the phrase 'smash or pass' is an example of "objectification of women in regards to hegemonic masculinity."