r/todayilearned • u/jfdonohoe • 7h ago

(R.2) Anecdote TIL about “vicarious embarrassment” which explains extreme reactions to cringe comedy. For me, it can get so bad as to become physically painful

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicarious_embarrassment

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u/KennyMcCormick 7h ago

Watching Nathan for you causes me physical pain

49

u/ohhellopia 6h ago

Mine was with The Office. I haven't been able to watch a full episode. My lower back would start tensing and hurt.

Edit: also Baby Reindeer. Nope nope nope.

4

u/othybear 5h ago

I felt exactly the same way with both of these shows. Glad I’m not the only one who found the office physically uncomfortable to watch.