The Viral Illusion: How TikTok Created a Non-Existent 80s Horror Film

Online Phenomenon: The Rise of "Zepotha," The 80s Horror Film That Never Was A unique social experiment initiated by TikTok user @emilyjeffri has captivated millions, leading to the collective creation of a fictional 80s horror movie named "Zepotha." The trend, which began with a simple video uploaded on August 12, 2023, challenged users to comment on unrelated "thirst trap" content with references to the non-existent film, such as "OMG you look EXACTLY like that one girl from Zepotha." This seemingly innocuous suggestion quickly spiraled into a widespread internet phenomenon. The original video outlined a plan for users to collectively develop the movie's lore, characters, and plot, aiming to convince a broad audience of its existence. "We will witness new lore develop, main characters will emerge, etc. & we can convince thousands of people that this weirdly titled 80s horror film actually exists," @emilyjeffri stated in the viral clip. The response has been overwhelming, with millions of views, likes, and thousands of comments actively participating in the narrative construction. Comments on the original video reflect the trend's impact, with users expressing both confusion and delight. One user remarked, "The past few days have been so confusing to me. Now I finally understand wth zepotha is," highlighting the trend's pervasive nature. Another commented, "Fun fact my dad was an extra in Zepotha. You can see him in the background in the club scene," showcasing the depth of engagement and imaginative storytelling. The phenomenon has drawn comparisons to previous internet hoaxes like "Goncharov," with users stating, "Old gen: Goncharov. New gen: Zepotha. Current gen: Raikou of the dragons." This collective act of digital world-building demonstrates the powerful influence of online communities in shaping shared realities and fostering creative collaboration, even around entirely fabricated concepts.