Teens and the Rise of ‘NPC’
In the realm of video games, an ‘NPC’ (non-player character) is a figure controlled by the game’s programming, not by a player. In recent times, this term has seeped into teen vocabulary as a derogatory label for individuals deemed boring, unoriginal, or lacking a distinctive personality. According to media outlets, ‘NPC’ emerged as an insult aimed at those who adhered to mainstream norms, particularly by individuals with fringe socio-political views.
Beyond its negative connotation, ‘NPC’ has also taken on a nuanced meaning. Some teens employ it to convey the sentiment, ‘You’ve repeated this story countless times, don’t be so predictable.’ Others embrace it as a recognition of their own protagonism in their lives, acknowledging that they may not be the center of attention in everyone else’s narrative but still possess value and agency.
The term has even spawned a trend on TikTok known as ‘NPC streaming,’ where content creators don video game character attire and utter robotic phrases for hours, earning monetary rewards in the process. One streamer, Pinkydoll, reportedly earns thousands of dollars daily through this practice.
Some parents view the ‘NPC’ trend as a positive indication that Gen Z is not a ‘Lost Generation,’ but rather one that values the world around them and recognizes their own significance, even if it differs from traditional notions of prominence or achievement.
