Interview: "A Good Brain Break"
"A Good Brain Break"
Mukbang, the Digital Feast, Pt. 1
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This post (not part of my essay series) takes the form of a casual interview with a friend. The interview was conducted via email on April 13th, 2025. Here, one entanglement is explored: this individual (given the false initial “B”) and the media they are contaminated by (in this case, mukbang videos).
M: How did you get into mukbang?
B: I only started watching mukbang videos within the past year or so. One day, a video popped up on my TikTok "For You" page, I liked it, and more started popping up.
M: When do you watch them? What's your preferred platform?
B: I never really seek out mukbang videos - they just appear on my social media. The only time I get the chance to scroll for a good while is right before bed. I will usually watch a few mukbang videos before bed on TikTok.
M: Do you have any favorite mukbang creators?
B: I have one favorite creator (shoutout @janiedevours). Other than that, whoever comes up! I prefer watching people sample fun and interesting foods (bright colors, interesting textures, cool designs). I like the kind of videos where they rank what they are eating. I really enjoy videos that are on the quieter side, it feels peaceful.
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M: How much does the actual food matter to you? The setup?
B: The food matters a little bit. I like watching creators eat food that I would want to eat. For example: I am a vegetarian watching someone eat a steak would not leave me feeling as calm. I can appreciate good camera quality, and music that fits the general vibe of the video. I don't particularly enjoy the sounds of people eating.
M: Do your friends watch mukbang videos? Do you talk about it with other people, or is it more of a private thing?
B: I know many people who watch mukbangs and ASMR. There are a few larger creators whose names get tossed around. Other than that, it is not something that comes up in conversation a lot.
M: How do you feel when you watch mukbang videos? I know some people watch them to feel less lonely when eating meals, or to feel more relaxed before bed.
B: I watch them to feel more relaxed before bed. Sometimes it feels like a good brain break. With all of the stress of day-to-day life, and the current state of the world, it is relaxing to focus on something so mundane.
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Thanks to my friend for being willing to discuss their experiences/interactions with mukbang videos!
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