Empower Your Digital Story
"NPC" stands for "Non-Player Character." The term originates from video games, where NPCs are characters controlled by the game's artificial intelligence (AI) rather than by players. They help populate the game world and interact with players, but they don’t have their own independent thoughts or actions.
On social media, "NPC" is used metaphorically to describe someone who seems to lack independent thought or who blindly follows trends without adding their own unique perspective. It’s often used in discussions or debates to suggest that someone is just repeating popular opinions rather than thinking critically.
The NPC trend on TikTok involves live streaming where users mimic the repetitive and scripted behaviors of NPCs from video games. This often includes performing specific actions or reciting pre-written dialogues in a robotic or automated manner. The trend gained popularity through creators like @natuecoco, who brought a playful and unique spin to NPC content.
You can use "NPC" in discussions about video games or tech topics without issue. When using it metaphorically to describe someone who follows trends without independent thought, it’s important to be mindful of the context. Avoid using it in a way that could be offensive or dismissive. The goal is to keep conversations respectful and constructive.
Empower Your Digital Story