Cringe is that crippling feeling of embarrassment from a social faux pas. It pervades all of our lives, but it might be especially bad for Gen Z.
You may think you’re immune but … you’re probably not.
Let’s determine exactly how much you fear cringe.
You type out a heartfelt Instagram caption about something you care about. You hesitate, because…
Wouldn’t happen. You would never be heartfelt online!
The wording feels … millennial.
If it gets three likes, you’d have to fake your own death.
What if you offend someone?
Oh s***. I’m ruined.
That wasn’t even that funny. Why did I do that?
What if people think I’m 35?
It conveyed laughter. Mission accomplished.
Immediately after, you think:
You use in a message.
You have something to say in a meeting, so you…
Let someone else break the ice first.
Rehearse your response silently before speaking.
Just say it.
Keep quiet. Send an email after.
Your crush doesn’t text you back.
Try to save it with another text.
Crush? Are people still having those?
Welp, it’s over.
This isn’t a real problem.
You’ve got big news. How do you tell people?
Text them??? What’s the big deal?
I’ll casually mention it next time I’m in a group.
Five slides into an unrelated Instagram dump.
Someone else might have bigger news. Keep it quiet.
Be honest. Why did you click this quiz?
I need to make sure I’m not cringe.
I don’t know. It’s making me feel old.
Nothing better to do, really.
What’s the right answer?
Fear of cringe: Very high I’m going to hold your hand when I say this: You are terrified of cringe. It’s hard not to be socially vigilant in a world that screenshots everything.
SHARE YOUR RESULT!
RESULTS
Try to remember not every audience is a moral jury. You’re mostly just wearing yourself out. Set yourself free!
RETAKE QUIZ
Fear of cringe: High You’re pretty scared of being cringe. You probably hate that because you don’t want to feel uncool.
Culture moves. You don’t have to sprint after it. At your age, your body can’t take it. Just kidding. Maybe. Either way, chill out.
Fear of cringe: Medium You’re skittish about being cringe.
You may self-censor or mute your reaction here or there. But you’re handling it pretty well!
Sadly, you can’t avoid flopping forever. It’s part of life!
Keep it moving.
Fear of cringe: Low but still there Your cringe-free vibes are immaculate, but are you faking it too? Maybe you’re pretending like you don’t care. Maybe you actually don’t care.
Your general awareness of cringe suggests you’re putting in effort, either to avoid it or to ignore it. That makes it worse. Give it up!
