Millions of TikTok users have submitted videos saying that if they aren’t reshared, “terrible things will happen.” And now, Gen-Z has been accused of bringing back chain mail.

What is chain mail?

Chain mail—the unpleasant messages delivered via Hotmail, DMs, and early social media sites, with foreboding threats about bad things happening if you don’t forward them—is likely to be remembered by anyone old enough to recall the early 2000s.

Why is it back?

Much like the oughts’ low-rise jeans, exposed thongs, and handkerchief tops, Gen-Z TikTokers from all over the world are resurrecting chain mail, but with a 2020s twist.

Rather than sending real letters, emails, or even messages, the latest iteration is threatening those who don’t make a video with specific trending TikTok sounds as the audio with bad luck.

For example, many users alleged that forgetting to utilize the “I’m So Lucky” sound caused them to encounter bad luck. One user in particular shared that not using the sound caused her so much misfortune, including her fiancé breaking up with her, and catching COVID a week before Christmas in a video that has gathered over 14 million views.

Users in their late-20s and older are startled to see the trend reemerge, making it feel like high school chain mail all over again.

Over a million videos have been made with the “magical” sound, with thousands of people claiming that not utilizing it caused them issues and a series of misfortune events. One of the users even claimed that their father and mother’s best friend died, and that their sister’s house burned down. After skipping the sound, another person reported they had their “worst day ever,” and their phone was stolen.

Some people are more upbeat, claiming that recording movies with sound has brought them good fortune, ranging from passing a test to receiving an unexpected gift and even a proposal.

“I’m So Lucky” is just one of the many viral noises that Gen-Zers use to “manifest” their goals. The new trend comes months after the TikTok craze of “timeline shifting” and “reality shifting,” which saw individuals mediate into other realms, such as Hogwarts, and other mythical universes.

People claim to have moved into parallel universes, where their wishes are more likely to come true, as a result of temporal shifting. These videos are most likely the result of TikTok’s algorithm, which states that the more people who interact with content, the higher it will be displayed on “For You” pages.

If more viewers feel driven to connect with a video, it has a better chance of going viral. A lot of experts who are thinking about these new trends believe that the sounds that make individuals believe positive things are happening in their lives are a form of confirmation bias. In a way, by saving these films, you’re conditioning your mind for what you want to happen, so you’ll go out and find it.

In case you missed it, TikTok is officially the world’s most visited site.

Photo via DailyMail/TikTok