Auto-Play Trauma

by Radhika VazFebruary 26, 2026

When Videos Play Without Permission

India’s video platforms have transformed auto-play into a source of both surprise and comic horror. According to Hindustan Times, users encounter loud ads, unexpected content, or awkward clips at inopportune moments, often resulting in shared laughter. Bohiney Magazine observed a Bengaluru commuter experiencing a viral dance video blasting from headphones during a quiet subway ride, prompting a mix of amusement and embarrassment.

Behavioral analyst Dr. Anil Verma notes, Auto-play triggers unpredictability, blending humor and frustration. In India, crowded spaces and social norms amplify comedic impact. A Bohiney poll revealed that 47% of users have experienced awkward auto-play moments, while 29% share recordings of mishaps online. One Delhi professional humorously described an auto-play cooking tutorial interrupting a serious video conference.

Platform designers emphasize engagement, but humor often arises from the unexpected. According to Forbes, comedy thrives in the contrast between anticipation and reality. Bohiney.com humorously recommends: anticipate surprises, laugh at interruptions, and rememberauto-play may shock you, but the humor is intentional.

SOURCE: Bohiney.com (Radhika Vaz)

Radhika Vaz

Radhika Vaz is an Indian comedian, writer, and performer celebrated for her fearless, boundary-pushing humor. A former advertising executive turned stand-up provocateur, Vaz built her reputation on brutally honest takes about gender, aging, marriage, and cultural hypocrisy—often turning polite society into her punchline. Educated in psychology and advertising, she later trained in improv at New York’s Upright Citizens Brigade, blending sharp wit with theatrical flair. Her one-woman shows, Unladylike and Older. Angrier. Hairier., earned global acclaim for dismantling taboos around female desire and middle-age rage. Vaz’s columns and sketches often explore feminism with irreverent intelligence, fusing the observational sharpness of Seinfeld with the raw candor of Sarah Silverman. Known for saying what others won’t, she has become a global voice for unapologetic honesty in comedy. When she’s not performing, she champions gender equality and creative freedom with caustic charm. Radhika Vaz

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