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{{ContentWarning}}
{{ContentWarning}}
A '''shock site''' is a website that is designed to shock or disgust visitors with any piece of media. These websites often feature [[:Category:Gore|graphic violence]], [[:Category:Pornography|pornography]], or other disturbing content that is intended to be offensive or disturbing.<ref name="markmarek">http://www.floridalawreview.com/wp-content/uploads/Farmand.pdf</ref> Some shock sites are also designed to trick visitors into clicking on a link that takes them to a shocking or disturbing image or video. Shock sites can be difficult to navigate away from, as they may use pop-ups or other tactics to keep visitors on the site. Shock sites have been around since the early days of the internet, and some of the most well-known shock sites include websites like [[Rotten.com]], [[LiveLeak|Ogrish.com]], and the now-defunct [[Goatse.cx]]. Some shock sites are intended to be humorous or satirical, while others are created with the intent to shock or traumatize visitors. Due to their graphic and disturbing content, they can be illegal in certain jurisdictions. While shock sites are generally regarded as controversial and offensive, they have nevertheless had an impact on internet culture and have been referenced in various forms of media. Some internet users may visit shock sites as a form of dark humor or as a way to push their boundaries, while others may find them disturbing or traumatizing. While shock sites are designed to be humorous or satirical, shock sites can also be used to spread malware or other harmful content.
A '''shock site''' is a website that is designed to shock or disgust visitors with any piece of media. These websites often feature [[:Category:Gore|graphic violence]], [[:Category:Pornography|pornography]], or other disturbing content that is intended to be offensive or disturbing.<ref name="markmarek">http://www.floridalawreview.com/wp-content/uploads/Farmand.pdf</ref> Some shock sites are also designed to trick visitors into clicking on a link that takes them to a shocking or disturbing image or video. Shock sites can be difficult to navigate away from, as they may use pop-ups or other tactics to keep visitors on the site. Shock sites have been around since the early days of the internet, and some of the most well-known shock sites include websites like [[Rotten.com]], [[LiveLeak|Ogrish.com]], and the now-defunct [[Goatse.cx]]. Some shock sites are intended to be humorous or satirical, while others are created with the intent to shock or traumatize visitors. Due to their graphic and disturbing content, they can be illegal in certain jurisdictions. While shock sites are generally regarded as controversial and offensive, they have nevertheless had an impact on internet culture and have been referenced in various forms of media. Some internet users may visit shock sites as a form of dark humor or as a way to push their boundaries, while others may find them disturbing or traumatizing. While shock sites are designed to be humorous or satirical, shock sites can also be used to spread malware or other harmful content.
==Background==
==Background==
[[File:Bait and switch.jpg|thumb|240x240px|The ''bait-and-switch'' technique consists of misleading a person into clicking a link by telling them erroneous information.]]
[[File:Bait and switch.jpg|thumb|240x240px|The ''bait-and-switch'' technique consists of misleading a person into clicking a link by telling them erroneous information.]]
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Shock sites are widely considered to be unethical and harmful, and many countries have laws that prohibit the distribution of certain types of shocking or offensive content. As such, it is important for internet users to exercise caution when clicking on links or visiting unfamiliar websites, and to avoid sites that may contain potentially offensive or harmful content. Shock sites follow a formula that includes a bait-and-switch tactic. They often have a seemingly innocuous or enticing title or image to draw the viewer in, but then present shocking or disturbing content. This content can range from graphic violence and gore to sexual content and other taboo subjects. Shock sites are designed to shock and disgust the viewer, with the intent of eliciting a strong emotional reaction. Some shock sites also include sound effects or music to enhance the impact of the content. The formula of shock sites is deliberately designed to be provocative and disturbing, with the goal of creating a memorable experience for the viewer. The use of a bait-and-switch tactic is a key part of this formula, as it manipulates the viewer's expectations and then delivers content that is completely different from what they were expecting. The combination of shocking content and the element of surprise makes shock sites a controversial and often criticized part of internet culture.
Shock sites are widely considered to be unethical and harmful, and many countries have laws that prohibit the distribution of certain types of shocking or offensive content. As such, it is important for internet users to exercise caution when clicking on links or visiting unfamiliar websites, and to avoid sites that may contain potentially offensive or harmful content. Shock sites follow a formula that includes a bait-and-switch tactic. They often have a seemingly innocuous or enticing title or image to draw the viewer in, but then present shocking or disturbing content. This content can range from graphic violence and gore to sexual content and other taboo subjects. Shock sites are designed to shock and disgust the viewer, with the intent of eliciting a strong emotional reaction. Some shock sites also include sound effects or music to enhance the impact of the content. The formula of shock sites is deliberately designed to be provocative and disturbing, with the goal of creating a memorable experience for the viewer. The use of a bait-and-switch tactic is a key part of this formula, as it manipulates the viewer's expectations and then delivers content that is completely different from what they were expecting. The combination of shocking content and the element of surprise makes shock sites a controversial and often criticized part of internet culture.
==History==
==History==
{{Main|Screamer Wiki:Throughout the Years}}
{{Main|Screamer Wiki:Throughout the Years}}
Shock sites have been present on the internet since the mid-1990s, when websites started to include more graphic and controversial content. Websites like [[Rotten.com]] and Stile Project gained notoriety in the late 1990s and early 2000s for their graphic content, including violence, gore, and pornography, and were described as "shock sites" due to their ability to shock and disgust viewers. One of the earliest shock sites was Rotten.com, founded in 1996, which featured graphic images of death, violence, and gore.<ref name="vice">How shock sites shaped the internet. VICE. (2023, February 27). Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://www.vice.com/en/article/wxnw7b/shit-death-and-gore-how-shock-sites-shaped-the-internet</ref><ref>Robertson, A. (2012, June 13). Snuff: Murder and torture on the internet, and the people who watch it. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/13/3076557/snuff-murder-torture-internet-people-who-watch-it</ref> While shock content has been created since the early days of the internet, the term "shock site" was not coined until the early 2000s, when the rise of the internet and the emergence of [[wikipedia:Web 2.0|Web 2.0]] platforms created new opportunities for online shock content. The first known shock site was "[[Goatse]]" which emerged in the late 1990s and featured an image of a man stretching his anus with his hands, becoming infamous for its shocking content and giving its name to the entire genre of shock sites.<ref name="vice" />
Shock sites have been present on the internet since the mid-1990s when websites started to include more graphic and controversial content. Websites like [[Rotten.com]] and [[Stile Project]] gained notoriety in the late 1990s and early 2000s for their graphic content, including violence, gore, and pornography, and were described as "shock sites" due to their ability to shock and disgust viewers. One of the earliest shock sites was Rotten.com, founded in 1996, which featured graphic images of death, violence, and gore.<ref name="vice">How shock sites shaped the internet. VICE. (2023, February 27). Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://www.vice.com/en/article/wxnw7b/shit-death-and-gore-how-shock-sites-shaped-the-internet</ref><ref>Robertson, A. (2012, June 13). Snuff: Murder and torture on the internet, and the people who watch it. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/13/3076557/snuff-murder-torture-internet-people-who-watch-it</ref> While shock content has been created since the early days of the internet, the term "shock site" was not coined until the early 2000s, when the rise of the internet and the emergence of [[wikipedia:Web 2.0|Web 2.0]] platforms created new opportunities for online shock content. The first known shock site was "[[Goatse]]" which emerged in the late 1990s and featured an image of a man stretching his anus with his hands, becoming infamous for its shocking content and giving its name to the entire genre of shock sites.<ref name="vice" />
<!---- Please avoid mentioning other shock sites here to avoid spoiling their content ---->
<!---- Please avoid mentioning other shock sites here to avoid spoiling their content ---->
In the early 2000s, the internet saw the rise of shock sites, including "[[Lemon Party|Lemonparty]]" and "[[Tubgirl]]" which were known for their bait-and-switch formula, revealing shocking or disgusting images after appearing innocuous. Other shock sites became popular for their use of graphic violence, gore, and disturbing imagery. As the internet evolved, shock sites became increasingly prevalent and extreme, with sites like [[LiveLeak|Ogrish.com]] and [[Bestgore.com]] gaining large followings for their graphic and real-life images and videos of violence. Shock sites featuring sexually explicit content, such as [[The Mac User]], [[Selfpwn.org]], [[Meatspin]],<ref>Bond, J.-M. (2021, March 17). Revisiting Meatspin, the NSFW site that shocked a generation. The Daily Dot. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/meatspin-meme/</ref> became popular for their ability to shock and trick unsuspecting viewers. The mid-2000s saw shock sites gain mainstream attention through high-profile cases like the "[[Running the Gauntlet|Run the Gauntlet]]" challenge, which featured increasingly disturbing videos that users were challenged to watch in their entirety. Over time, shock sites continued to emerge, each attempting to push the envelope in terms of graphic and disturbing content. Infamous shock sites including now-defunct [[LiveLeak]] featuring real-life videos of violence and death.<ref>Cole Stryker (2016, March 1). Murder, mayhem and the evolution of liveleak. Newsweek. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://www.newsweek.com/2014/10/10/murder-mayhem-and-evolution-website-liveleak-273963.html</ref>
In the early 2000s, the internet saw the rise of shock sites, including "[[Lemon Party|Lemonparty]]" and "[[Tubgirl]]" which were known for their bait-and-switch formula, revealing shocking or disgusting images after appearing innocuous. Other shock sites became popular for their use of graphic violence, gore, and disturbing imagery. As the internet evolved, shock sites became increasingly prevalent and extreme, with sites like [[LiveLeak|Ogrish.com]] and [[Bestgore.com]] gaining large followings for their graphic and real-life images and videos of violence. Shock sites featuring sexually explicit content, such as [[The Mac User]], [[Selfpwn.org]], [[Meatspin]],<ref>Bond, J.-M. (2021, March 17). Revisiting Meatspin, the NSFW site that shocked a generation. The Daily Dot. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/meatspin-meme/</ref> became popular for their ability to shock and trick unsuspecting viewers. The mid-2000s saw shock sites gain mainstream attention through high-profile cases like the "[[Running the Gauntlet|Run the Gauntlet]]" challenge, which featured increasingly disturbing videos that users were challenged to watch in their entirety. Over time, shock sites continued to emerge, each attempting to push the envelope in terms of graphic and disturbing content. Infamous shock sites including now-defunct [[LiveLeak]] featuring real-life videos of violence and death.<ref>Cole Stryker (2016, March 1). Murder, mayhem, and the evolution of liveleak. Newsweek. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://www.newsweek.com/2014/10/10/murder-mayhem-and-evolution-website-liveleak-273963.html</ref>


Shock sites were once a popular phenomenon on the internet. However, their popularity has declined in recent years due to increased regulation and moderation of online content,<ref name="vice" /> as well as the rise of social media. Many shock sites have been shut down due to legal issues, while others have faded into obscurity as internet users have moved on to other forms of online entertainment. Despite their controversial and taboo nature, shock sites remain a part of internet history and continue to intrigue and disgust viewers. Shock sites are often associated with online communities such as [[4chan]], and have been the subject of memes and internet jokes. Nevertheless, they are widely considered socially unacceptable. Today, shock content can still be found on the internet, but it has been pushed to the fringes of the web. Although shock sites are no longer as popular as they once were, they have left a lasting impact on internet culture. They have been the focus of numerous articles, documentaries, and discussions, and continue to be referenced in online communities. Some shock sites have even become memes or been incorporated into other forms of digital art.
Shock sites were once a popular phenomenon on the internet. However, their popularity has declined in recent years due to increased regulation and moderation of online content,<ref name="vice" /> as well as the rise of social media. Many shock sites have been shut down due to legal issues, while others have faded into obscurity as internet users have moved on to other forms of online entertainment. Despite their controversial and taboo nature, shock sites remain a part of internet history and continue to intrigue and disgust viewers. Shock sites are often associated with online communities such as [[4chan]], and have been the subject of memes and internet jokes. Nevertheless, they are widely considered socially unacceptable. Today, shock content can still be found on the internet, but it has been pushed to the fringes of the web. Although shock sites are no longer as popular as they once were, they have left a lasting impact on internet culture. They have been the focus of numerous articles, documentaries, and discussions, and continue to be referenced in online communities. Some shock sites have even become memes or been incorporated into other forms of digital art.
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Shock sites have had a significant impact on both internet culture and society as a whole, with complex and often polarizing effects. Critics of shock sites have pointed out that the graphic and disturbing content of these websites can have negative impacts on viewers. In particular, exposure to violent and sexually explicit material online has been linked to an increase in aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, and other harmful outcomes. Furthermore, some have argued that shock sites promote a culture of cruelty and desensitization, where people become numb to the suffering of others and are more likely to engage in violent or abusive behavior. However, others have argued that shock sites can have a positive role to play in pushing boundaries In particular, shock sites have been seen as a way to shock people out of their complacency and expose them to uncomfortable truths about the world. Some have even viewed shock sites as a form of artistic expression, with their graphic and disturbing content serving as a legitimate way of exploring taboo subjects. Despite the controversies surrounding them, shock sites have played a significant part in shaping internet culture since their emergence in the early 2000s. Shock sites have had an influence on memes, online humor, and other forms of digital content, with the graphic and disturbing images and videos featured on shock sites being repurposed and remixed in a variety of ways. As a result, shock sites have become a staple of internet humor and online culture more broadly.
Shock sites have had a significant impact on both internet culture and society as a whole, with complex and often polarizing effects. Critics of shock sites have pointed out that the graphic and disturbing content of these websites can have negative impacts on viewers. In particular, exposure to violent and sexually explicit material online has been linked to an increase in aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, and other harmful outcomes. Furthermore, some have argued that shock sites promote a culture of cruelty and desensitization, where people become numb to the suffering of others and are more likely to engage in violent or abusive behavior. However, others have argued that shock sites can have a positive role to play in pushing boundaries In particular, shock sites have been seen as a way to shock people out of their complacency and expose them to uncomfortable truths about the world. Some have even viewed shock sites as a form of artistic expression, with their graphic and disturbing content serving as a legitimate way of exploring taboo subjects. Despite the controversies surrounding them, shock sites have played a significant part in shaping internet culture since their emergence in the early 2000s. Shock sites have had an influence on memes, online humor, and other forms of digital content, with the graphic and disturbing images and videos featured on shock sites being repurposed and remixed in a variety of ways. As a result, shock sites have become a staple of internet humor and online culture more broadly.


The shock site and [[screamer]] phenomena were two distinct yet significant aspects of early internet culture, with different impacts on the digital landscape. Shock sites, featuring graphic and disturbing content, sparked controversy and criticism for their "potential harm" to viewers, and promotion of desensitization and cruelty. Despite these issues, shock sites influenced internet memes, humor, and digital content while raising questions about online safety and regulation. Screamer videos, a specific subcategory of shock sites, consisted of harmless content that suddenly switched to a startling image and scream, often used as a prank. While short-lived, screamer videos heavily influenced online humor and pranking culture. In terms of impact, shock sites were broader and more controversial, while screamer videos were more focused but influential in shaping online humor. Both phenomena prompted discussions about online content regulation and safety and continue to have a lasting impact on our approach to graphic and disturbing content online.
The shock site and [[screamer]] phenomena were two distinct yet significant aspects of early internet culture, with different impacts on the digital landscape. Shock sites, featuring graphic and disturbing content, sparked controversy and criticism for their "potential harm" to viewers, and promotion of desensitization and cruelty. Despite these issues, shock sites influenced internet memes, humor, and digital content while raising questions about online safety and regulation. Screamer videos, a specific subcategory of shock sites, consisted of harmless content that suddenly switched to a startling image and screams, often used as a prank. While short-lived, screamer videos heavily influenced online humor and pranking culture. In terms of impact, shock sites were broader and more controversial, while screamer videos were more focused but influential in shaping online humor. Both phenomena prompted discussions about online content regulation and safety and continue to have a lasting impact on our approach to graphic and disturbing content online.


==Legality==
==Legality==
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Shock sites have become less popular in recent years. However, they still exist on the fringes of the internet and their legacy lives on in popular culture. Shock site imagery has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and music videos. Despite this, the widespread use and acceptance of trigger warnings in popular culture have made it more difficult for shock sites to gain the same level of attention and notoriety that they once had. One example of a shock site in popular culture is the fictional website "Bonsai Kitten," which gained notoriety in the early 2000s. The website claimed to offer a method for growing kittens in jars, with the goal of shaping them into unique and decorative forms. Although the site was revealed to be a hoax and no actual kittens were harmed, it sparked outrage from animal rights groups and the general public. Despite this, it became a cultural phenomenon and was referenced in various media including TV shows, music videos, and video games.
Shock sites have become less popular in recent years. However, they still exist on the fringes of the internet and their legacy lives on in popular culture. Shock site imagery has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and music videos. Despite this, the widespread use and acceptance of trigger warnings in popular culture have made it more difficult for shock sites to gain the same level of attention and notoriety that they once had. One example of a shock site in popular culture is the fictional website "Bonsai Kitten," which gained notoriety in the early 2000s. The website claimed to offer a method for growing kittens in jars, with the goal of shaping them into unique and decorative forms. Although the site was revealed to be a hoax and no actual kittens were harmed, it sparked outrage from animal rights groups and the general public. Despite this, it became a cultural phenomenon and was referenced in various media including TV shows, music videos, and video games.


Another example is the "[[Lemon Party]]" meme, which features a photograph of three elderly men engaging in sexual acts. The photograph was taken from a gay pornographic website and was first circulated online in the early 2000s. It gained notoriety as an internet shock site and was often used to shock and disgust people. However, over time, the image became a popular meme in internet culture and was used for humorous purposes or to troll people. The Lemon Party meme has been referenced in popular media, such as in the television show "[[wikipedia:The Office|The Office]]" and the video game "[[wikipedia:Saints Row IV|Saints Row IV]]" [[Lemon Party]] was mentioned on a sketch on ''Talkshow with Spike Feresten'', ''[[wikipedia:Archer|Archer]]'', ''[[wikipedia:The Simpsons|The Simpsons]]'', ''[[wikipedia:The Cleveland Show|The Cleveland Show]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:30 Rock|30 Rock]]''. ''30 Rock'' made three allusions to "Lemon Party".
Another example is the "[[Lemon Party]]" meme, which features a photograph of three elderly men engaging in sexual acts. The photograph was taken from a gay pornographic website and was first circulated online in the early 2000s. It gained notoriety as an internet shock site and was often used to shock and disgust people. However, over time, the image became a popular meme in internet culture and was used for humorous purposes or to troll people. The Lemon Party meme has been referenced in popular media, such as "[[wikipedia:The Office|The Office]]" and the video game ''[[wikipedia:Saints Row IV|Saints Row IV]]'' [[Lemon Party]] was mentioned on a sketch on ''Talkshow with Spike Feresten'', ''[[wikipedia:Archer|Archer]]'', ''[[wikipedia:The Simpsons|The Simpsons]]'', ''[[wikipedia:The Cleveland Show|The Cleveland Show]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:30 Rock|30 Rock]]''. ''30 Rock'' made three allusions to "Lemon Party".


A shock site that gained notoriety in popular culture is "[[2 Girls 1 Cup]]," a viral video that depicts two women engaging in sexually explicit acts, including feces consumption. The video became a widespread internet meme in the late 2000s, with many people sharing [[reaction videos]] of themselves or others watching it. It has been referenced in various TV shows and movies, and even inspired a [[wikipedia:South Park|South Park]] episode. This shock site also inspired the concept of what would become known as "[[reaction videos]]."<ref name="vice" />
A shock site that gained notoriety in popular culture is "[[2 Girls 1 Cup]]," a viral video that depicts two women engaging in sexually explicit acts, including feces consumption. The video became a widespread internet meme in the late 2000s, with many people sharing [[reaction videos]] of themselves or others watching it. It has been referenced in various media and even inspired a ''[[wikipedia:South Park|South Park]]'' episode. This shock site also inspired the concept of what would become known as "[[reaction videos]]."<ref name="vice" />
==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
== Links ==
== Links ==
* '''''[[:Category:Shock sites|All shock sites featured on Screamer Wiki]]'''''
* '''''[[:Category:Shock sites|All shock sites featured on {{SITENAME}}]]'''''
* '''''[[List of Shock sites|More shock sites that were not listed on the Category]]'''''
* '''''[[List of Shock sites|More shock sites that were not listed on the Category]]'''''
==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
{{Screamer}}
{{Comments}}
{{Comments}}
[[Category:Shock sites]]
[[Category:Shock sites]]
[[Category:Gore]]
[[Category:Gore]]
[[Category:Pornography]]
[[Category:Pornography]]
[[Category:Graphic content]]
[[Category:1990s]]
[[Category:1990s]]
Retrieved from "https://screamer.wiki/Special:MobileDiff/127102...135525"

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