Teenagers are dressing as furry animals and crawling on all fours, attacking passersby in a bizarre new viral craze that shocks onlookers.
A new viral trend is sweeping through parts of Russia and other former Soviet republics.
Teenagers are dressing up as furry animals and crawling on all fours in public.
This bizarre activity has captured attention and raised concerns among parents and experts.
A trend “quadrobics” has gone viral among teenagers
The trend, known as “quadrobics,” involves young people mimicking animal behaviors.
They wear costumes that include animal masks, tails, and paws. Some teenagers growl, bark, and meow as they crawl on the streets.
This phenomenon has become popular in cities like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, where groups of teens can be seen engaging in this unusual behavior.
The origin of this wild trend
The trend is believed to have originated in Japan, where a runner named Kenichi Ito set a world record for running on all fours.
This unique style of movement has since spread to various countries, morphing into the current fad among teenagers.
The fascination with animals has also led to a subculture known as “therianthropes.”
Individuals in this group believe they possess the souls of animals and were mistakenly born as humans.
Teenagers embark on viral trend dressing furry animals and crawling on all-fours on streets
Videos and photos of teenagers dressed as cats or dogs interacting with passersby have gone viral on social media.
In one instance, a girl in a cat costume was teasing a dog.
In another case, a boy dressed as a black cat was walking on a leash, with a woman treating him like a pet.
These scenes have sparked laughter and confusion among those who witness them.
However, not everyone finds this trend amusing.
Some experts warn that quadrobics can have negative effects on children’s mental health.
They believe that pretending to be animals can lead to aggressive behavior. This can result in injuries to both the participants and bystanders.
There are concerns that young people may struggle to separate reality from play, which could harm their social development.
Authorities in some areas are responding to these concerns.
Police are currently investigating reports of teenagers attacking passersby while pretending to be dogs.
In one incident in Uzbekistan, a teenager reportedly bit someone.
Lawmakers are considering introducing fines for parents of children who participate in quadrobics in public spaces.
Russian senator Natalia Kosikhina has voiced her concerns about the trend.
She believes children should engage in more productive activities, such as sports and education.
Kosikhina emphasizes that these activities would benefit children’s mental health and help them socialize better.
Natalia Kosikhina, a Russian senator, said: “I believe that we need to make sure that children are more interested in sports and educational activities that would not harm the psyche and health of others.”
Yekaterina Mizulina, head of Russia’s Safe Internet League, has also spoken out against quadrobics.
She has received numerous complaints from individuals who feel threatened by those imitating animals.
Many reports describe encounters where people have been bullied or attacked by these “quadrobers” while walking in parks.
Legislator Denis Maidanov said: “At first it seemed like a game, but then, when children began to perceive it as their way of life, it was no longer a toy.
“It is obvious to me that quadrobics is not good for our children. There are many other ways for our children to keep themselves busy.”
Despite the criticism, some psychologists see quadrobics as a form of imaginative play.
They argue that such activities can be harmless if managed properly.
Vera Sukhikh, a psychotherapist, believes that quadrobics can serve as a fun way for children to express themselves.
She suggests that it can help them unwind and enjoy their childhood.