Madi2Hottyy, Reem, and Kaleel participated in a "Try Not to Laugh" challenge focused on intrusive thoughts in a video posted to Complex's YouTube channel [1].

The collaboration highlights the intersection of internet comedy and the normalization of mental health topics through short-form video trends. By using a popular game format to discuss intrusive thoughts, the creators aim to engage a younger audience with relatable, albeit humorous, content.

In the video, the three participants react to a series of clips centered on the hashtag #intrusivethoughts [1]. The challenge requires participants to maintain a neutral expression while viewing content designed to trigger laughter. Those who laugh are typically eliminated or penalized within the rules of the game.

The production took place within a YouTube studio setting, utilizing the high-energy format characteristic of Complex's digital programming [1]. The video has also been distributed through other digital platforms, including Yahoo Lifestyle [2].

While the challenge is presented as entertainment, it draws on the widespread social media trend of sharing intrusive thoughts—sudden, unwanted ideas or images that can be distressing or absurd. The creators use these prompts to find common ground in the erratic nature of human thought processes.

This specific iteration of the challenge follows a broader pattern of "Try Not to Laugh" videos that have become staples of the creator economy. These videos often rely on the chemistry between the hosts and the unpredictability of the curated clips to drive viewership and engagement [1].

“Madi2Hottyy, Reem, and Kaleel participated in a "Try Not to Laugh" challenge.”

The use of a 'Try Not to Laugh' format to discuss intrusive thoughts reflects a shift in how Gen Z and Alpha engage with mental health concepts. By framing potentially distressing psychological experiences as a comedic challenge, creators lower the barrier to entry for discussing mental health, though it risks oversimplifying complex psychological phenomena for the sake of viral entertainment.