Cringe Humor – Why We Like To Watch People Embarrass Themselves
Pursuit of Wonder | January 13, 2026
A look into the fascinating psychology of embarrassment and cringe entertainment, as well as a possible reason for why so many people enjoy observing it.
I watch cringe compilations a lot because as funny and embarassing as those videos are, those people had the guts to do what they truly wanted to do regardless of the consequences and that makes me happy for them
My cringe is often accompanied by resentment and annoyance. Some ticktockers are cringy as hell but I get annoyed when I see the amount of followers and praising they get from their viewers. It makes me wonder if I'm the one out of touch. I don't laugh when I cringe. Cringe to me is closer to disgust. But for some weird reason, I still do find myself watching these "disgusting" behaviors. This vdo was cool. But it doesn't explain to me why I cringe.
Hey! Do you happen to have any sources for your video? I'm writing a paper on the history of awkward humor in American pop culture and I'm struggling to find some good sources!
I think those that do cringy stuff intentionally to get a rise out of people, while the people are buying into it 100% like it wasnt on purpose, are the boldest improv players around. Passing judgement to stay in a safe bubble of considering yourself "the cool ones" is so 7th grader, and people are like parents in their 30s now, still assuming every act of cringe wasnt created just to be a viral vid, thats the sad part.
I generally do not like cringy stuff. I do partake in some dark humor and absurd humor, but stuff like bad American Idol auditions, I can't stand. I hate it, and derive absolutely no pleasure from it. It doesn't make me feel better about myself, or amuse me whatsoever. It just makes me feel bad.
We are laughing and happy to see others in cringe situation because in our subconsiuos we are happy to realize that we are not cringe as they are. (Examples are fail compilations)
Ah, thanks for making this video. Also, what would it mean if you could not be able to feel cringe? Rather, you would laugh at it instead. Would it signify that you lack this kind of empathy for others?
hmmm was wondering why I stopped feeling cringe nowadays by watching those "cringy videos". I m on a journey to think and live happier and understand many aspects in life and I'm pretty sure that aids in my thought of those videos not being cringy nowadays. I just feel a bit of empathy or sometimes I don't even feel that. well anyway you hit the nail on this one it was perfect.
What do you use to edit your videos and create all the art for your videos? Also whats the name of the background music and where to find more like it?
@omarelabeidi1878
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
Chat gpt recommended me this
@yolisamsomi1130
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
I watch cringe compilations a lot because as funny and embarassing as those videos are, those people had the guts to do what they truly wanted to do regardless of the consequences and that makes me happy for them
@Araanor
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
I can't take cringe comedy at all.
@4120306
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
My cringe is often accompanied by resentment and annoyance. Some ticktockers are cringy as hell but I get annoyed when I see the amount of followers and praising they get from their viewers. It makes me wonder if I'm the one out of touch. I don't laugh when I cringe. Cringe to me is closer to disgust. But for some weird reason, I still do find myself watching these "disgusting" behaviors. This vdo was cool. But it doesn't explain to me why I cringe.
@iambeavis762
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
I feel normal when I see weirdos especially on tiktok
@RishikavsAnnie
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
I am embarrassed that I laughed at the fart example (the sound and the animation made it funnier) 😂
@xeix954
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
2:20
@TheBusHopper
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
Hey! Do you happen to have any sources for your video? I'm writing a paper on the history of awkward humor in American pop culture and I'm struggling to find some good sources!
@MrHellfish666
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
I don't cringe at anything. I just laugh because it's hilarious. I think a lot of you that cringe are taking things way too seriously.
@gringomodeon
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
This is a great explanation of cringe humor I love it!
@celestialbeing4654
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
I was on a "Watch people die inside" spree and had to stop and reflect.
@DeanRendar
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
I think those that do cringy stuff intentionally to get a rise out of people, while the people are buying into it 100% like it wasnt on purpose, are the boldest improv players around. Passing judgement to stay in a safe bubble of considering yourself "the cool ones" is so 7th grader, and people are like parents in their 30s now, still assuming every act of cringe wasnt created just to be a viral vid, thats the sad part.
@Martinroadsguy
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
I generally do not like cringy stuff. I do partake in some dark humor and absurd humor, but stuff like bad American Idol auditions, I can't stand. I hate it, and derive absolutely no pleasure from it. It doesn't make me feel better about myself, or amuse me whatsoever. It just makes me feel bad.
@veljkosreckovic3159
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
We are laughing and happy to see others in cringe situation because in our subconsiuos we are happy to realize that we are not cringe as they are. (Examples are fail compilations)
@nig6767
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
So this is how steezy Kane feels
@picklejade
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
Ah, thanks for making this video. Also, what would it mean if you could not be able to feel cringe? Rather, you would laugh at it instead. Would it signify that you lack this kind of empathy for others?
@Son_of_aesthetics
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
So glad I followed you
@imback2killu328
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
hmmm was wondering why I stopped feeling cringe nowadays by watching those "cringy videos". I m on a journey to think and live happier and understand many aspects in life and I'm pretty sure that aids in my thought of those videos not being cringy nowadays. I just feel a bit of empathy or sometimes I don't even feel that. well anyway you hit the nail on this one it was perfect.
@LindsayDaly
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
Fantastic video! Thanks for this, it's exactly what I was looking for.
@rocky61469
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 am
What do you use to edit your videos and create all the art for your videos? Also whats the name of the background music and where to find more like it?
Comments are closed.