In the ever-evolving world of social media, a new trend has taken TikTok by storm – the Non-Player Character (NPC) trend. This phenomenon has seen the live-streaming community on the platform expand beyond its once-restricted niche, with users imitating the traits of NPCs in video games through repetitive gestures and speech. The trend borrows aesthetics from various entertainment genres like science fiction and anime, creating an intriguing blend of reality and fantasy.
At the heart of this viral trend is a TikToker known as Pinkydoll, who recently shocked the internet when clips of her live streaming broke through the Twitter wall. In a unique twist, Pinkydoll chose to use a hair straightener to prepare popcorn, a spectacle that left viewers both amused and bewildered.
But what makes Pinkydoll’s streams even more captivating is her repetition of phrases such as “ice cream so good” or “gang gang”. This seemingly odd behavior was later revealed to be a part of the NPC trend, where she repeats phrases matching the stickers purchased by viewers on TikTok. It’s a performance that requires endurance and talent, but it’s also one that has sparked controversy due to its perceived sexual undertones.
Critics argue that the content could be exploited by individuals with control or coercion kinks, likening it to online sex content distributed on platforms easily accessible to minors. There are concerns about the potential dehumanization of the creators involved. However, it’s important to note that streamers like Pinkydoll and cherrycrush_tv are voluntary participants, fully aware of their audience’s characteristics and seemingly comfortable with their roles.
Despite the controversy, there’s no denying the popularity of the NPC trend. Pinkydoll’s TikTok account has seen a significant increase in followers, reaching 261K in recent days. Her foray into the public eye has only amplified her reach, with her follower count increasing by over 10K in just a week.
As the NPC trend continues to grow, it’s clear that the boundaries of live-streaming are being pushed, blurring the lines between reality and the virtual world. And at the center of it all is Pinkydoll, the popcorn-making sensation who’s taking TikTok by storm.
