In the past two weeks, the south of the United States has been hit with two catastrophic hurricanes that have left Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina in shambles. Despite the widespread damage, there seems to be a trend happening on social media: young people are “shitposting” online about the hurricanes.
Both storms have left an undeniable impact, especially in Florida and North Carolina. Many people are still dealing with the trauma of the past two storms and how it will affect their future. So why would younger people joke about it in such a “tone-deaf” way?
It is no secret that Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and Millennials have a different relationship with the internet than the older generations. We have grown up around the rapid development of technology. Yet, when disasters occur, why are younger generations so quick to joke about it online?
Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene was a storm that made landfall on September 26th as a category 4 hurricane. It first made its way through the Gulf Coast of Florida, destroying many coastal areas due to high winds and storm surges. Then, the hurricane made its way through Georgia before hitting North and South Carolina.
The damage left behind by Helene was cataclysmic. The death toll of the storm has surpassed 200 and the storm is now considered one of the most deadly hurricanes that has occurred in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm destroyed property, caused immense flooding, and left many without power for weeks.
Many communities are still trying to rebuild their lives after Helene. Despite pushback from government agencies in providing survivors aid, some efforts are being made to help victims of the storm. Many people have started donating funds and trying to return to normal life, but another storm was brewing in the Atlantic.
Hurricane Milton
Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 9th. It is considered the second most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm hit first on the Gulf Coast of Florida and made its way through the state and dissipated in Bermuda on October 12th.
Without giving Florida enough time to fully recover from Hurricane Helene, the damage Hurricane Milton left behind was devastating. Due to a cold front coming into Florida, Milton caused a tornado outbreak throughout the state. The storm also caused a surplus amount of flooding, especially in coastal towns.
Many communities in Florida are still trying to recover from both storms. Many people have lost their lives to the tornados and flooding during Hurricane Milton. Despite pushback, many people affected remain resilient and optimistic despite the catastrophic damage.
The online discourse and memes
There was a huge discourse online between individuals within and outside of the affected states about evacuation. Many people who did not live in an affected state were confused as to why more people didn’t evacuate, stating these people were putting themselves and their families in danger. However, the conversation was much more complicated.
People in affected states went online to talk about their perspectives. If you are living in an evacuation zone, you should evacuate, but people should also understand the reality of the situation. Gas was scarce, food was scarce, and the roads were stuck in standstill traffic for hours. Many people who wish they could evacuate didn’t have the luxury to, so they had to stay home.
Throughout both storms, there was also a surplus of people posting humourous videos about the storms. People were making lighthearted and existential jokes about the storm. Yet, some were engaging in dangerous acts, such as filming in the middle of the hurricane.
Trauma response or clout-chasing
Some of these dark jokes could be seen as a way someone handles or copes with being in a tough situation. Considering the majority of people who are making these jokes were affected by the hurricanes, it can be considered a way for people to cope with their current reality. Humor keeps people’s spirits high, so sometimes in tragic situations, some people need a nice distraction from it all.
It also allows a space for those affected by the Hurricanes to have an online space to share information about hurricane preparation and evacuation tips. Social media is an online community where they can relate to other’s fears, frustrations, and sadness. Plus, it can help others who are affected find resources to get aid or help if needed.
However, some of the videos, mainly the dangerous and controversial ones, can seem like an attempt to clout-chase or gain popularity. Dancing to “Apple” by Charli XCX in the middle of Helene or recreating the “Krutsy Krab Pizza” delivery scene from Spongebob in the middle of Milton can be seen as an attempt to gain 15 minutes of fame online. Plus, the money sure doesn’t hurt.
A Floridian’s perspective
I have been personally affected by both hurricanes. I was born and raised in Florida. To see friends and family get affected by the storm is heartbreaking, especially when seeing the damage caused to places I’ve been to and know well. I was lucky that my family and friends were safe. The same cannot be said for other people caught in the storm.
The content being spread online such as information and resources is helpful to many. That sort of information can save lives and help victims rebuild their communities after the storms. Plus, it also gives hurricane victims a space where they can talk about their feelings towards the storms. The problems begin to arise with the “shitpost” videos.
While some of the videos are humorous and poke fun at the situation lightheartedly, many of them depict dangerous activities. Going outside during a hurricane is stupid, but going outside to film a TikTok is selfish and foolish. If you are so desperate for attention that you are willing to risk your own life for views, you need to seriously rethink your priorities.
Posting lighthearted memes and jokes is okay. If anything, it helps put more attention on the hurricanes, which would get more people to donate and send aid. Posting information and resources is also okay, if not incredibly helpful. Venting your frustrations and feelings online about the storms is also okay. What’s not okay is making insensitive videos about the storm and depicting dangerous acts. No one should have to put their life in danger to get a million views on TikTok.