Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth #69 - Most Unhinged People On The Internet
Release Date: November 4, 2024
Hosts: Shayne Topp (Shane), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Amanda)
Guest: Courtney Miller
1. Introduction to the Episode
In this episode of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shane and Amanda are joined by special guest Courtney Miller to delve into the most unhinged personalities populating the internet today. The conversation kicks off with light-hearted banter before transitioning into a deep dive into various online phenomena.
2. The Impact of Social Media Algorithms
Shane discusses how modern social media algorithms create unique "fingerprints" for each user, leading to highly personalized content feeds. This personalization can trap individuals in echo chambers, constantly exposing them to niche or extreme content.
Shane (02:25): "It's almost like your own fingerprint. Yes, that we all have different people."
Amanda adds that unlike the past where mainstream media had a universal set of influencers (e.g., Johnny Carson), today’s digital landscape fosters a multitude of micro-celebrities, making shared cultural references rare.
Amanda (02:46): "Back in the 60s, it was like, did you see Johnny Carson? But now it's like, did you see the guy who climbs trees naked?"
3. Bodybuilding Community Turmoil
The trio discusses a controversial incident within the bodybuilding TikTok community involving Jeff Nippard, a respected figure known for science-based training programs.
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Assault Incident: Another bodybuilder physically assaulted Jeff Nippard at the gym, leading to public outrage and discussions about "roid rage."
Shane (04:17): "This other bodybuilder literally assaulted him. So mean."
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Community Divide: The incident highlighted a divide between natural bodybuilders and those using steroids, sparking debates about ethics and behavior in the fitness community.
Shane (05:13): "Jeff Nippard is a natural bodybuilder. There's a divide because some follow science-based stuff, and others believe in lifting as hard as possible without regard to science."
4. Reality TV and Perception vs. Reality
a. Love is Blind Analysis
Shane, Amanda, and Courtney critique the reality TV show "Love is Blind," focusing on the negative portrayal of its participants and the show's editing practices.
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Character Assessment: They express skepticism about the authenticity of participants' personas, suggesting that many are manufactured for entertainment value.
Shane (10:07): "The bar is so low. None of them should be married. They are all bad for each other."
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Host Criticism: The hosts criticize Vanessa Lachey’s handling of contestants, believing she fails to hold participants accountable for their actions.
Shane (14:03): "She's been shitty for a couple seasons."
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Viewer Reactions: They note conflicting opinions on social media, where some viewers defend contestants while others condemn them, emphasizing the show's divisive nature.
b. Editing and Persona Creation
The discussion highlights how editing in reality TV often misrepresents individuals, creating "villains" or "heroes" that may not align with the participants' true personalities.
Shane (18:14): "I wouldn't be surprised with any reality show if I met someone from it and they were the complete opposite of what the show depicted them as."
5. Viral TikTok Personalities
The conversation shifts to various TikTok personalities who embody unhinged or extreme behaviors, contributing to the overall theme of the episode.
a. Sophia Lacourt
Sophia Lacourt, a red-haired TikToker, becomes a focal point due to controversies surrounding her dating life and public persona.
Courtney (21:45): "She did this whole video where she's got like a boa on. She’s just like very old Hollywood glamour, but she's like a Gen Z."
She faces backlash for dating her best friend's ex, despite assertions that there was no direct friendship involved.
Shane (27:08): "If she truly is dating her best friend's ex, that's not her best friend. They don't even know each other."
b. Maxwell the Cat & Santa Corgi
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Maxwell the Cat: Known for aggressive behavior towards other cats, making him a "villain" on TikTok feeds.
Shane (42:43): "This cat is the Thanos of cats. Evil cat."
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Santa Corgi: A festive TikToker dedicated to Christmas-themed content, showcasing endearing but sometimes cringy performances.
Amanda (44:00): "He does a lot of lives. And he's not rude. He's so sweet."
c. Anouk and Church Nuts
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Anouk: An enigmatic TikToker known for his Christmas music performances, blending mystery with talent.
Shane (49:37): "Anuk is top three TikTocker. Absolute legend."
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Church Nuts: A performer dedicated to his craft at Renaissance Fairs, embodying the quirky and niche personalities that thrive online.
Courtney (56:35): "There is no celebrity as good as these small, little special stars that we get from TikTok."
6. The Dual Nature of Online Fame
The hosts reflect on how online fame can both elevate and distort individuals' public personas. While some TikTokers like Sabrina Carpenter maintain a wholesome image despite high production values, others embrace unhinged behaviors to gain attention.
Courtney (29:56): "She knows exactly how she's coming across on the camera. All the delivery is just so good."
They also discuss the pressures of maintaining an online persona and the potential psychological impacts of receiving constant, sometimes negative, feedback.
Shane (19:21): "When someone comes in with a very, like, self-righteous attitude, and they see weakness, she latches on."
7. Unique Content Creators
The conversation highlights content creators who stand out due to their unique approaches, such as animal psychics and magicians, showcasing the diverse range of personalities that inhabit the internet.
Courtney (60:29): "I follow an animal psychic. It's about magic grandpa, doing magic tricks in a 40s style."
8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Shane, Amanda, and Courtney wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of recognizing the constructed nature of online personas and the often unhinged behaviors that thrive in the digital age. They encourage listeners to critically engage with content and remain aware of the thin line between reality and performance online.
Shane (61:12): "It's like watching you have La Court, but it's like when a villain pops up on your feed and it's like, I gotta watch this villain."
The hosts express excitement about future topics and the endless stream of unique personalities that continue to shape the internet landscape.
Notable Quotes:
- Shane (04:17): "This other bodybuilder literally assaulted him. So mean."
- Amanda (02:46): "Back in the 60s, it was like, did you see Johnny Carson? But now it's like, did you see the guy who climbs trees naked?"
- Shane (10:07): "The bar is so low. None of them should be married. They are all bad for each other."
- Courtney (21:45): "She did this whole video where she's got like a boa on. She’s just like very old Hollywood glamour, but she's like a Gen Z."
This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the most extreme and unhinged personalities navigating the vast landscape of the internet today. Through engaging discussions and insightful critiques, Shane, Amanda, and Courtney shed light on the complexities of online fame, reality TV perceptions, and the ever-evolving dynamics of social media platforms.