This year, the Oxford Dictionary chose “brain rot” to be the word of the year. Many mocked this decision, but not me. I agree that brain rot is well on the way for this chronically online writer, as not only do I understand the mysterious “Try not to get scared” TikTok trend, but I actually love it. The trend was birthed by Offlain, a mysterious creator shrouded in anonymity, and he seems to still be the cult leader of “Try not to get scared” TikTok. He writes these unusual scripts and then uses text-to-speech audio over various images. The effect is something straight out of a shrooms trip, and yet it’s kind of… poetic? One man’s brain rot is another’s Walt Whitman.
What is “Try not to get scared” TikTok about?
It’s been a wild time for the internet these past weeks. I think we’re all sharing two brain cells at this point of this garbage dumpster fire year. Similar to the “Pepe the King Prawn” trend, it involves a story being told and going more and more off the rails. But while our lil prawn friend displays [hopefully] true stories, these are [hopefully] not.
The stories go in directions you’d never expect, and maybe I’m just sleep-deprived, but isn’t that kinda what life is like? One minute, two people are facing down with a gun, then Garfield is there, and then, wait, a horse is killing him! Dwayne the Rock Johnson, is that you? What a rollercoaster of emotions. Many find it helpful to fall asleep to such nonsensical stories, so the creator uploaded them to YouTube as well.
Do I get scared from this iconic side of TikTok? Only for my emotional well-being. Instead, I think I kinda get it. Like he’s discussing the messy realities of sex and relationships, including circle jerks and sending nudes of your soul. Also, it’s helping me to overcome my fear of rejection because some things just aren’t in my control, so why panic about it? You can be “juggling knives like usual” when suddenly “penis gone.” Life do be like that.
Go after the “beautiful feminine life form,” push for your promotion, and upload the TikTok (as it can’t be any stranger than this).
Don’t get scared, guys!!
Okay, enough foreplay, you’re here for the goods. Here are a selection of the best “Try not to get scared” TikToks for your viewing pleasure. If it gets too scary, go watch the Olive Oil Girl story instead!! Promise?
Pregnant With…What?
@offlainnnn #fyp #didyouknow #scary ♬ Originalton – offlain
The journey this video took me on. I was given a false sense of security when the pregnancy test came up with cancer, but then wow!!! Also, those men’s underwear are fucking terrifying. They always have a hole in them.
Epic Jerk Circles
@offlainnnn #fyp #didyouknow #scary ♬ Originalton – offlain
All the best TikToks include epic jerk circles, hamster mouth shoes, and lemon genitalia. Look, I don’t make the rules; I just follow them. Also, can everyone refer to me as “Baby Cannibal Guy” from now on?
Kissing Murder John
@offlainnnn #fyp #didyouknow #scary ♬ Originalton – offlain
What a tragic tale of betrayal and naivety. You think you’re just eating lasagne or grabbing a burger, and then suddenly- AND THEN SUDDENLY. But the real question: who is in the bathroom stall? I need to know!!
Bambi Makes An Appearance
@offlainnnn #fyp #didyouknow #scary ♬ Originalton – offlain
OMG, do we have another character? We have a female voice joining the crew. Gluttony, lust, and loss are all in one tale. What did we do to deserve him? He’s ready to say how we feel about all mother-in-laws. Also, shout out to him for breaking the fourth wall with us at the start.
Impending Doom Speaking
@offlainnnn #fyp #didyouknow #scary ♬ Originalton – offlain
When you really think about it, impending doom is speaking to so many of us so often. Also, I think this really symbolized the complacency and snideness that brews in long-term relationships when he dismissed his wife’s ability to hear colors as impractical *sigh*.
Who Is Jerking Me Off?
@wynter_jennson Spooky #fyp #foryou #repost ♬ Originalton – offlain
Even more niche: reaction videos to these videos!! I love it. Let me express ALL OF MY EMOTIONS UNDER THE GUISE OF SOMETHING TRENDING. Also, this low-key gives that dog-licking horror story; remember that one?
The Bare Minimum, Please
@kristinawrldd #fyp #pov #skit ♬ dźwięk oryginalny – zakii ◡̈
And now we’re applying it to our own problems? I love it so much. Also, this is literally why I’m choosing the bear every single time.
Sobbing BRB
@hope_schwing♬ Originalton – offlain
I cannot explain why this video made me feel so much. This is the essence of “Try Not to Get Scared” TikTok. It is letting us feel so much by talking about absolutely nothing. Ugh g2g cry some more.
