Website
Screamer websites usually consist of a static image or video, followed by a sudden loud scream. Some popular examples of this include Shafou.com, Killerjo.net, and X-rider.com, among others. Screamer websites can also be referred to different types.
Technical information
A website is a group of related web pages stored on a web server and accessible over the internet via a web browser, containing various multimedia elements like text, images, videos, and audio files. Websites serve different purposes like information dissemination, promotion, communication, and e-commerce, catering to individuals, businesses, organizations, and government entities with varying complexities, from simple one-page sites to complex applications. To create a website, one needs web hosting to store web pages and a domain name to identify the website's address. Programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and content management systems (CMS) like WordPress and Drupal are used to create and manage websites. A subpage is a web page linked and organized under a parent page. A website hosting platform like Neocities allows users to store their own website files and create their site.
Techniques
Screamer websites commonly use several techniques, including clickbait, which uses sensational or misleading titles or images to lure users into clicking on a link. The link may appear to lead to something interesting or entertaining, but instead, it directs users to a screamer website that contains startling images or sounds. In addition to clickbait, screamer websites often use pop-ups, which are windows that appear on top of a webpage and can contain advertisements, surveys, or other types of content (for example, Pnrtscr.com). Some screamer websites may use pop-ups to display startling images or sounds, which make them malicious. Screamer websites may use redirects to trick users into visiting a different webpage or pop-up window that contains disturbing content. Redirects can occur when clicking on a link, or they can happen automatically when visiting a website. Some screamer websites may use auto-play, a feature that automatically plays a video or sound when a website is opened, as another way to scare the user with unexpected sounds or images.
Types of websites
Malicious sites
- Main Category: Category:Malicious scripts
Malicious screamers, a type of screamer website or video, aim to harm or frighten viewers and can do anything malicious with the user's computer, including infecting it with viruses, malware, or other harmful software that steals personal information or damages the system. Infamous examples include Google Hammer and Last Measure. These screamers typically use graphic or violent imagery and loud noises. They may also prompt users to download a seemingly harmless file or click on a link that contains malware or freeze their computer on a shock image. Creators of malicious screamers often employ common tactics, such as misleading titles or thumbnails (for example, Glory Hole Foundation). Various malicious sites include Nobrain.dk, Onche.fr or Screamer Cactus.
Hosts
- Main Category: Category:Hosts
Hosts refers to online platforms that host loud, startling, and often disturbing content, typically with the intention of being humorous or eliciting a reaction from the user. These websites often specialize in internet pranks, jokes, or "shock" content, and may not clearly indicate that they include screamers or other potentially disturbing material. Some websites use screamers as part of their viral marketing strategy. They hosted submitted works and then share it through social media or other online platforms in order to attract attention to their website. Another type of website that may host screamers is shock sites, which often feature graphic or offensive content. Some social media platforms, such as YouTube, have also been known to host screamers.
While some screamer websites generate revenue through advertising, this can be considered unethical if the screamers are deemed "harmful" or misleading, or if the purpose of the website is solely to entertain viewers by scaring them, similar to commercials.
Shock sites
- Main Article: Shock sites
Shock sites refer to websites that contain explicit and often graphic content that is intended to provoke extreme reactions in viewers. This content can include images and videos depicting violence, gore, sexual content, and other offensive material related to racism, sexism, and discrimination. Shock sites do indicate that they are typically more extreme than other types of screamer websites, as they contain graphic and explicit content intended to shock their websites hence the name. Shock sites have been around since the early days of the internet, with sites like Rotten.com gaining notoriety for their graphic content. Since then, shock sites have proliferated, with new sites constantly being created and shared online.
