Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) the backrooms: a blurry photo that changed the internet
Feb 11, 2025
Sara Bimo, a PhD candidate at York University specializing in creepypastas, and Peter Heft, a doctoral candidate examining liminality's psychological effects, dive into the eerie lore of the Backrooms. They discuss how a single blurry image ignited internet horror culture, resonating with themes of nostalgia and existential dread. The conversation uncovers the cultural significance of liminal spaces and their reflection of modern fears, especially in an era dominated by social media and online storytelling.
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Childhood Fears
- Jamie Loftus recounts childhood fears of scary YouTube videos and the movie The Ring.
- She describes being convinced she would die after watching it.
Horror’s Evolution
- Horror stories adapt to changing technology and cultural anxieties.
- The Ring reflects technophobia, while its source material centers on a samurai.
Web Horror’s Evolution
- Online horror evolves alongside the internet.
- Chain emails, social media, and AI anxieties characterize different eras of web horror.
