“Green light, red light”, green tracksuits and red jumpsuits. Without mentioning its name, you may have thought about the global hit, Squid Game. This Netflix show is the most popular and talked about in the world today. This is surprising, given that it had almost no serious marketing or ad campaign (Rosenblatt,2021). Individuals have created fan art, short videos, dressed up as characters and made memes related to this game.
This show is about a game, where desperate people who are in great debts were invited to join in hopes of receiving the grand prize of 38 million dollars. The catch is that only one will survive the game.
Mirroring our society
In the game, where the players compete in this game of life and death in order to survive. When we view the society, we see income inequality and huge wealth gaps between the wealthy and the less well to do. This shows offers a reflection of our capitalist society, where we are obsessed with competition (Sills, 2021). Many strive to work towards financial success. Although there are more people are concerned about social injustice, many are still trapped in this hamster wheel with our performance and profit driven society (Sills, 2021). This hamster wheel concept can seem like how most of us have been nurtured in this manner since we were young. In schools, people were rewarded for academic excellence and even CCA performance, essentially sending a message that we have to be better than others to succeed. In this show, we see players attempting to have another chance to succeed in life.
Psychological explanation
As we watch the show, we may identify with the players and imagine ourselves in their positions (Sills, 2021). In particular, we can relate to the feeling of not being the people of power but rather, the underdogs (Smail, 2021). Debts also makes most people feel vulnerable and desperate (Smail, 2021), thus, looking for shortcuts and faster means to financial freedom and wealth. In our own lives, we may also realise that we do not get the promised rewards for our investment of time and money (Smail, 2021) despite the hard work put in. Examples of inadequate returns would be school loans, mortgages and unpaid internships (Smail, 2021).
However, as we continue watching we’ll realise that this game is watched by the ultra-wealthy VIPs. We may then realise that we too, are in a very similar position as the VIPs who take pleasure in watching who dies and survive the rounds. We may find ourselves switching back and forth between these perspectives throughout the show.
Illusion of the easy way out
Players in the game, like pathological gamblers, could see the Squid Game is an easy way out. If money can be made in such a quick and relatively easier way, wouldn’t joining be more beneficial for me? With the rationalization of gambling and illusion that money can be earned quickly, this addiction is reinforced. With 100,000 won as the bait, this lures individuals into taking higher risks making more dangerous decisions for a greater prize (Natalie, 2021).
Sharing among our circles
Being such a popular show, it is inevitable that we see this everywhere on social media. There is a social aspect to this and watching it allows us to have conversations with others or enjoy content regarding this highly popular topic (Rosenblatt,2021). With many in our social circle watching the show, it is inevitable that we feel a fear of missing out (FOMO) when everyone else is talking about it.
Interestingly, people from all over the world are able to replicate some of the games wherever they are, using commonly found ingredients to create the “dalgona” candy or making the Ddakji flipping card game! Have you tried playing them?
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Reference
Rosenblatt, K. (2021, October 4). Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ is a sensation. Here’s why it’s so popular. NBC News.https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/netflix-s-squid-game-sensation-here-s-why-it-s-n1280646
Sills, D. (2021, October 8). Why “Squid Game” Is So Popular. Psychology Today.https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/psychology-tomorrow/202110/why-squid-game-is-so-popular
Smail, G. (2021, October 13). The Psychological Reason You’re Obsessed With Squid Game. The Bustle.https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/why-squid-game-is-so-popular-psychology-interview
Natalie (2021, October 18). “Squid Game” — You know why people keep gambling even they have only one coin left in their pocket? The Medium. https://medium.com/illumination/squid-game-you-know-why-people-keep-gambling-even-they-have-only-one-coin-left-in-their-pocket-4a12693cc0be