The internet is a large and frequently unpredictable place. While it’s filled with nonstop entertainment, instructive resources, and communication means, it’s also home to some of the most treacherous things imaginable. From jump scares to real-life horror anecdotes, people share their most spine-chilling encounters with the shady side of YouTube and the internet.
Deep Web
Users describe their experiences exploring the dark side of the internet, with many mentioning the Deep Web. “I’ve seen some pretty sick things on there… I never went back after that,” shares one user.
Elsagate
Several users mention the disturbing trend of Elsagate, where inappropriate content featuring children’s characters is disguised as kid-friendly videos.
“The Elsagate videos were the creepiest thing I’ve ever seen on YouTube.”
Takedownman
One user shares their experience of coming across the channel Takedownman, which features disturbing videos of people getting hurt or killed.
“It was truly the most unsettling thing I’ve ever seen.”
The Grifter
Users discuss the YouTube channel The Grifter, which features unsettling videos of a man’s descent into madness. “It’s like a car crash – you can’t look away.”
Top5s
While not necessarily scary, some people mention the channel Top5s for its videos on unexplained mysteries and paranormal events. “I always watch these videos late at night and end up scaring myself.”
Marble Hornets
Several users mention the YouTube series Marble Hornets, which follows a group of friends who are stalked by a mysterious entity known as The Operator.
“The way it’s filmed makes it feel so real, and the suspense is unbearable.”
Cicada 3301
Users discuss the mysterious organization Cicada 3301, known for its complex puzzles and recruitment techniques.
“It’s like something straight out of a spy movie.”
Cry Reads
Several users mention the channel Cry Reads, which features narrations of scary stories and creepypastas.
“I’ve had trouble sleeping after listening to some of these stories.”
SCP Foundation
One user shares their experience of stumbling upon the SCP Foundation, a collaborative writing project that features stories and documents about paranormal objects and creatures.
“It’s incredibly detailed and immersive, but also really unnerving.”
Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared
The YouTube series Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared starts off as a children’s show but quickly takes a dark turn. “It’s like something out of a nightmare,” says one user.
Ben Drowned
Users discuss the creepypasta Ben Drowned, which tells the story of a haunted copy of the game Majora’s Mask.
“The way it incorporates the game itself into the story really blurs the line between reality and fiction, it’s really unsettling.”
Momo Challenge
The Momo Challenge gained widespread attention in 2018, purportedly encouraging children to harm themselves or others. While some have argued that the Momo Challenge is a hoax or urban legend, others claim to have encountered disturbing content related to it online.
“The Momo Challenge really freaked me out when I first heard about it. I’m glad it turned out to be mostly fake, but the idea of something like that targeting children is really disturbing.”
The Max Headroom Incident
In 1987, an unknown person hijacked the broadcast signal of two Chicago television stations to air a bizarre video featuring a person wearing a Max Headroom mask. The incident remains unsolved to this day, and some users find it incredibly unnerving.
“The Max Headroom Incident is so unsettling because it feels like something that could happen again.”
Russian Experiment
The Russian Sleep Experiment is a horror story that has gained popularity online. It tells the tale of a group of prisoners who are subjected to an experiment that keeps them awake for 15 days straight.
“The story is terrifying on its own, but the images and videos people have created to go along with it really take it to the next level.”
The Dyatlov Pass Incident
The Dyatlov Pass Incident refers to the mysterious deaths of nine hikers in the Ural Mountains in 1959. The circumstances of their deaths remain unknown, and theories range from natural causes to alien abduction.
“The Dyatlov Pass Incident is one of those things that just gives me chills, the fact that nobody knows what happened and there are so many theories just makes it even scarier.”
The Rake
The Rake is a creepypasta about a creature that stalks and kills its victims.
“The idea of a monster that’s always watching you and can strike at any time is just really scary, and the fact that it’s based on a supposedly true story just makes it worse.”