Smash Or Pass Boy Edition

[Imogen Petrusky]

Smash or pass? is a game in which players evaluate the sexual desirability of an individual and declare whether they would hypothetically want to "smash" them (have sex with them) or "pass" (choose not to). The subject of discussion may be a celebrity, a fictional character, or an individual known personally to the players.

The game has seen spikes of popularity on the Internet, including on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. It has also been used as a form of sexual harassment, including through the uploading of photographs of people without their consent.

The name comes from a slang meaning of smash meaning "have casual sex", which is attested from the early 2000s.[1] The game's terminology is also used metaphorically to evaluate things outside the sexual sphere, like food or festival performances.[1]

Smash or pass? originated as a party game, but has become popular on the Internet;[2] it has been described as an internet fad.[3] Vice News reported that the game "has mysterious origins" and speculated that it may have originated from other risqu games played by adolescents, including spin the bottle, truth or dare?, and fuck, marry, kill.[4] The game appeared on internet forums in mid-2010, the same year in which the phrase smash or pass was first defined on Urban Dictionary.[1]

In one version of the game, reported in 2011, teenagers uploaded photographs of themselves to Facebook so that others could evaluate their looks.[5][6] In some cases, photographs were uploaded for the game without their subjects' knowledge or consent.[7] Digital security specialists Theresa Payton and Tshaka Armstrong said the game was risky and urged parents to monitor their children's activity online. Payton called the game "sexploitation" and said that the photographs might be viewed by sexual predators.[5] Missy Wall of Teen Contact expressed concern about how the game could affect teenagers' mental health: "When a teenager gets 'passed' that could be very detrimental to emotional health. The teen may try to get noticed and may become more risque. It is a form of cyber-bullying."[7]

In 2014, Task & Purpose reported that "smash or pass" photographs of women in the United States military were being uploaded to Facebook without their consent, as part of a pattern of sexual harassment.[8][9] The photographs sometimes attracted jokes about raping the women depicted.[10]

Based on Google Trends data, interest in the game was low until around 2016, when searches spiked, coinciding with a rise in the game's popularity on YouTube.[4] PewDiePie made a Smash or Pass video in 2017 which got 13 million views.[4]

In two cases, the game was linked to specific incidents of online sexual harassment in American high schools. A 2017 qualitative study by information scientists Denise E Agosto and June Abbas reported a "Smash or Pass" Twitter account on which students at one school evaluated other students' appearances.[11] The Twitter account was widely viewed among the student body and included "increasingly cruel" comments.[11] When school administrators discovered the account, they had it shut down, expelled the student responsible, and prohibited students from talking about the incident.[11] In 2019, two male high school students in DeWitt, New York, changed schools after posting a video in which they rated the sexual desirability of girls in the local area; one of their parents said that the two boys were asked to leave their school or face expulsion.[3]

Starting in January 2022, the game became part of a trend on TikTok in which users decide whether to "smash or pass" fictional characters from TikTok character generators.[2][4] Popular characters have included Marvel Universe characters, Disney characters, and cartoon parents.[2][4]

The game's popularity among German speakers has led to the verb smash entering the German lexicon as smashen; in 2022 it was chosen as youth word of the year in a Langenscheidt poll.[12]

Dictionary.com called the game "the sleepover game of the internet age".[1] Steph Panecasio of CNET said of the TikTok trend: "There's no untoward behavior, this is all in the name of good fun."[2]

American security scholar Joan Johnson-Freese cited the game, along with Hot or Not, as examples of the objectification of women prevalent in Western society.[13] American communication researchers Nathian Shae Rodriguez and Terri Hernandez also cited the phrase "smash or pass" as an example of objectification of women related to hegemonic masculinity.[14]

Arielle Richards of Vice News said that "the real beauty of smash or pass is in its simplicity", but acknowledged that it "can be, and has been, misused in harmful ways".[4] Richards compared the game to FaceMash, a predecessor to Facebook, in which users rated the appearance of female Harvard students.[4]

Smash or Pass is a popular online game that has gained significant Attention in recent years. Players are presented with images or videos of individuals and must decide whether they would "smash" (engage in a romantic or sexual relationship) or "pass" (reject the person). The game has sparked controversy and debate, with some arguing it promotes objectification and harmful beauty standards, while others see it as harmless fun. In this article, we will Delve into the world of Smash or Pass, examining its rules, controversies, impact, and alternative games and trends. So, let's dive in and explore this intriguing online game.

The emergence of social media platforms has led to the rise of various trends and games. Among these trends is Smash or Pass, a game that has gained immense popularity across different platforms. While it may seem like a simple game on the surface, it has elicited strong reactions from both players and observers.

At its Core, Smash or Pass is a game where participants are presented with images or videos of people and are required to decide whether they would engage in a romantic or sexual relationship with them (smash) or reject them (pass). The game often revolves around physical appearance, with participants basing their decision on factors such as attractiveness, style, and other superficial attributes.

The rules of Smash or Pass are relatively straightforward. Participants are shown an image or video of an individual and then have to make a quick decision. The decision is announced by declaring whether one would "smash" or "pass" on that person. The process is typically repeated with different images or videos, creating a rapid-fire game.

Despite its popularity, Smash or Pass has not been without its fair share of controversy. Critics argue that the game promotes objectification and places emphasis primarily on physical appearance, reinforcing harmful beauty standards and contributing to body shaming. Others believe that it encourages superficial judgment and undermines the value of personal qualities and character.

Smash or Pass has become a popular content category on platforms like YouTube, with numerous videos dedicated to the game. These videos often feature influencers and celebrities participating in the game, adding further fuel to the fire. Some of these videos have garnered millions of views and have further propelled the game into the mainstream.

If You choose to participate in Smash or Pass, it is essential to approach the game with caution and empathy. Recognize that the individuals being shown in images or videos are real people with feelings and emotions. Avoid making derogatory or hurtful comments and focus on celebrating diversity and inclusivity.

Like any other trend or game, Smash or Pass has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it can be a form of interactive entertainment that allows individuals to engage with popular culture and express their opinions. However, on the negative side, it can contribute to harmful beauty standards, perpetuate objectification, and cause emotional distress for those who are judged unfavorably.

One area where Smash or Pass can have a significant impact is in relationships. Participating in the game can lead to jealousy, insecurity, and trust issues between partners. The commodification of others and the emphasis on physical appearance can also undermine the foundation of a healthy relationship built on mutual respect and genuine connection.

The question of whether Smash or Pass is harmful is subjective and depends on various factors, including how the game is approached and the intentions behind playing it. It is crucial to be mindful of the potential harm it can cause and to respect the dignity and worth of every individual involved.

For those who find the concept of Smash or Pass problematic, numerous alternative games and trends can provide similar entertainment value without the harmful implications. Games such as "Marry, Date, Kill" or trends like "Rate the Outfit" focus more on personal preferences and creativity rather than solely on physical appearance.

In conclusion, Smash or Pass is an online game that has attracted significant attention but has also ignited controversy and debate. While some view it as harmless fun, others see it as a perpetuation of harmful beauty standards and objectification. It is vital for individuals to engage with the game responsibly, considering the potential harm it can cause and exploring alternative games and trends that promote inclusivity and respect for others.

And now the end is here, and so I face that final curtain. Our two most humiliation-resistant editors, Editor-in-Chief Stacey Henley and Tabletop Editor Joe Parlock, have made their way through every Pokemon region designating every Pokemon in them as a smash or a pass. Now, as we reach Paldea, their arduous journey is almost over.

You can pass using either speed or pressure. Speed-based passes require not only explosive movement but also good coordination, timing, and deception to properly pull off. Athletes in the lighter weight classes prefer to use this passing style, although some also use pressure to pass the guard.

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