You've seen them. You've probably clicked them. Maybe it was a late-night scrolling session on TikTok or a random link in a Discord server, but the smash or pass quizzes phenomenon is basically inescapable at this point. It’s one of those weirdly sticky internet trends that just won't die.
Why? Because it’s simple.
It’s binary. It's the ultimate digital "this or that." While the internet gets more complicated with algorithms and AI-generated everything, there is something oddly refreshing—and arguably primal—about a game that asks you to make a split-second gut decision.
The Anatomy of a Viral Smash or Pass Quiz
The premise is stripped down to the studs. You are presented with a person, a character, or sometimes—weirdly enough—a Pokémon or a household object. You choose "Smash" if you find them attractive or "Pass" if you don’t. That’s it. That is the whole engine.
But the real magic isn't in the choice itself. It's in the data.
Most modern platforms that host these quizzes show you the percentages after you click. You get to see that 64% of people also "smashed" that specific 90s movie heartthrob, or you realize you have terrifyingly niche taste because you're the only one who didn't "pass" on a specific villain. It’s a low-stakes way of checking your preferences against the "hive mind" of the internet.
The trend blew up massively around 2016-2017, largely thanks to YouTubers like Markiplier and Jacksepticeye. Markiplier's video "Smash or Pass: All 898 Pokémon" alone has racked up over 27 million views. It wasn't just about the game; it was about the commentary, the absurdity, and the inevitable "Why would you choose that?!" from the audience. It turned a private judgment into a public performance.
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Beyond the Surface: Why We Can't Stop Clicking
Psychologically, humans are hardwired for categorization. We like putting things in boxes. Developmental psychologists often point out that "binary sorting" is one of the earliest cognitive skills we master.
In a world where every movie review is a 12-paragraph essay and every social issue is a minefield of nuance, smash or pass quizzes offer a temporary escape from complexity. You don't have to explain your "why." You just click. Honestly, it’s a digital fidget spinner for the brain.
The Gamification of Attraction
Gaming culture has a huge hand in this. If you look at platforms like Twitch or Steam, you'll see "waifu" and "husbando" culture heavily integrated into how people interact with media. Smash or pass is basically the "lite" version of that.
It also feeds into the "Completionist" itch. Many of these quizzes are massive—sometimes featuring hundreds of entries. There is a weirdly satisfying feeling in getting to the end of a 100-item list. You’ve successfully sorted the world into two piles.
The Ethical Grey Area and Platform Policies
We have to talk about the awkward stuff. While most of these quizzes are harmless fun involving fictional characters or celebrities who are used to public scrutiny, the format has a darker side when it migrates to smaller, more personal circles.
- Cyberbullying Risks: In high school settings, "smash or pass" lists involving classmates have led to significant bullying issues and school disciplinary actions.
- Objectification: Critics argue the format reduces people to mere physical assets. While that’s arguably the "point" of the game, it doesn't always sit well in a culture trying to move toward more holistic views of identity.
- Platform Bans: Major platforms like TikTok and Instagram have, at various points, suppressed or shadow-banned certain hashtags related to the game if they are deemed too explicit or if they promote harassment.
Most quiz sites like Buzzfeed or Quizony keep it strictly within the realm of pop culture to avoid these pitfalls. They know the engagement is high, but the liability of "real person" quizzes is a nightmare for moderators.
How to Find the Best (and Safest) Quizzes
If you're looking for a smash or pass quiz that actually has some effort put into it, you have to look past the low-effort ad-farms. Some creators put genuine work into the aesthetics and the "results" logic.
- Check the "Stats" Quizzes: Look for platforms that offer global leaderboards. Seeing how your "Smash" rate compares to the global average for a specific franchise (like the MCU or Disney villains) adds a layer of depth.
- Avoid Personal Info Traps: If a quiz site asks for your email or "connects to Facebook" before showing results, close the tab. A real quiz shouldn't need your data to tell you if you like Henry Cavill or not.
- Community-Driven Platforms: Sites like TierMaker have actually largely replaced the traditional "quiz" format for many. It’s the same energy, but you’re ranking things into tiers (S, A, B, C, D) which allows for more nuance than a simple binary choice.
The Future of the Format
Is it going away? Probably not. It’ll just evolve.
We’re already seeing "Smash or Pass" filters in Augmented Reality (AR) on Instagram and TikTok, where the images fly over your head and you tilt your head left or right to choose. It’s becoming more tactile.
The next step is likely AI-integrated quizzes that learn your "type" as you go, eventually presenting you with a "Perfect Match" based on 500 rounds of rapid-fire choices. It’s a little dystopian, sure, but it’s the logical conclusion of a trend built on data-driven attraction.
Actionable Steps for the Casual User
If you want to engage with this trend without it becoming a total time-sink or a privacy risk, keep these things in mind:
- Stick to Fictional Universes: It’s way more fun (and less problematic) to debate the "smash-ability" of Shrek or a Star Wars droid than it is to do it with real people.
- Use Ad-Blockers: These quiz sites are notorious for "malvertising." Use a solid browser like Brave or a reputable ad-block extension to keep the experience clean.
- Limit Your Time: These are designed to be "infinite scrolls." Set a mental timer. Ten minutes of sorting Marvel characters is a break; two hours is a rabbit hole you'll regret.
The reality is that smash or pass quizzes are a reflection of our desire for quick, easy, and social interaction. They aren't deep, they aren't "high art," but they are a fascinating look at what we find appealing when we're forced to choose in a heartbeat. Just remember that the "pass" button is usually there for a reason—sometimes the best move is to just keep scrolling.