Astrophysicist Rachel Paterno-Mahler's TikTok video intended to educate about galaxy clusters ended up attracting viewers searching for illegal uses of nitrous oxide, exposing a troubling trend.
The surprise rise in viewership was not because of a newfound public interest in astrophysics, but because users were mistakenly seeking content related to nitrous oxide recreational use.
Paterno-Mahler reflected on the absurdity of kids looking for videos about huffing nitrous oxide and ending up with a lecture on galaxy clusters instead.
Netizens’ interest in the video illustrated a disturbing reality where the marketing of products like Galaxy Gas might lead to dangerous recreational drug use.
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