It’s oddly satisfying to watch a job done well, by a worker who excels at what he does. This bricklayer is quick and nimble when laying a beautiful new red brick driveway. He seems to reach the coveted “flow state,” fully emersed in a zone of energized focus. Watching him work is a pleasure, and it brings up a conversation about a kind of video and hashtag that is popular on the internet – #oddlysatisfying
The hashtag denotes a special feeling that the video creates in the viewer. Like when watching this guy set bricks at such a fast pace, you might feel an unusual contentment (which is another way of saying the same thing as the hashtag).
Why are these videos keeping us glued to our screens?
The “oddly satisfying” hashtag explains a genre of videos that stimulate a pleasing experience while watching some mundane task or repetitive motion, or in this case a repetitive job well done.
According to an article from Lemonade,
“Instagram named Oddly Satisfying the fastest-growing Instagram niche.”
These videos come in many different variations and can include things like pressure washers cleaning surfaces, cake glazing, or industrial machines carving spirals.
The genre of videos have taken the world by storm.
These videos have an unmistakable characteristic that brings a calming feeling over the viewer. They are known to have a relaxing quality that might be a good remedy for anxiety.
Wired magazine gives the hashtag a deep dive, reporting,
“There have been numerous reports that watching videos of slime and other things under the oddly satisfying umbrella help make people feel relaxed and calm.”
Though it’s a recent sensation online, the visual experience has been around for quite some time.
Wired notes,
“Advertising has used the construct of the oddly satisfying for decades to create visually arresting videos that capture our attention. They showcase perfect moments, perfect actions.”
In the video, our bricklayer is so quick and smooth at his work, he doesn’t miss a brick. He has a skill that is undeniable. I’m willing to bet when he gets off work on a Friday, he heads down to the club and swings his partner around the dance floor, he’s so light on his feet. He moves swiftly from one stack of bricks to the next, deftly placing them with precision and purpose.
He’s amazing to watch, and yes, oddly satisfying.
That is if his back doesn’t give out on him before Friday. Many Youtubers note that he might have back problems from his labors.
Youtubers also mention that this video reminds them of the game Tetris.
One Youtuber comments,
“I bet this guy is REALLY good at tetris.”
Another adds,
“Legend has it…this guy is the Tetris world record holder.”
In a study published in the journal Emotion, research shows that Tetris can put you into a flow state that may help stave off the anxiety of uncertainty when waiting for important results.
The study found playing Tetris was “effective for bolstering positive emotion and mitigating negative emotions.”
If this guy was anticipating the results of his bar exam, then he’d be a cool cucumber.
Sit back and enjoy this slick and oddly satisfying video of a guy who really excels at his work. It just might bring a calming feeling to you, and help you enter the zone of your own flow state.
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