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Novel ‘Vape-o-Gotchi’ Device Links E-cigarette Use to Virtual Pet Demise
Vaping devices, often criticized for their appealing designs and sugary flavors that may attract younger audiences, have spurred the creation of an unconventional gadget. The ‘Vape-o-Gotchi‘, a device that takes the concept of e-cigarette engagement to a new extreme, links vaping to the life of a digital pet. Inspired by the nostalgic Tamagotchi toys, this peculiar invention features a virtual companion that perishes if the user ceases to vape.
‘Evil’ Inspiration Behind the Vape-o-Gotchi
The developers of this unusual device openly stated their motive stemmed from a desire to create something with a darkly comedic edge. The Vape-o-Gotchi itself consists of a standard Elf Bar e-cigarette modified with electronic components to monitor usage.
In explaining the straightforward yet morbid concept, the creators described it as: ‘Essentially, it’s a vape with a Tamagotchi built in. If you don’t continue vaping, the Tamagotchi dies.’
Notably, the inventors have indicated they have no current plans to release the Vape-o-Gotchi for commercial sale.
Origins in a ‘Stupid Hackathon’
Rebecca Xun and Lucia Camacho conceived the Vape-o-Gotchi for New York University’s ‘Stupid Hackathon,’ a unique contest where participants are challenged to engineer intentionally nonsensical projects.
Speaking to technology news outlet Futurism, Xun and Camacho revealed their initial intention was for the device to function as a tool to discourage vaping habits. In its preliminary design, the Tamagotchi-style pet was programmed to die if its owner initiated vaping, with the goal of motivating users to reduce their e-cigarette consumption.
Camacho commented on the concept of self-imposed limitations, stating, ‘There’s a significant trend of parental locks and self-control mechanisms. It would be interesting to apply that concept to nicotine consumption.’
However, upon entering the Stupid Hackathon, the pair determined that a more provocative, pro-vaping iteration aligned better with the spirit of the competition – and proved to be considerably more humorous.
Simplified Gameplay and Construction
Traditional Tamagotchi games involve nurturing a virtual pet through feeding and training. The Vape-o-Gotchi presents a significantly more rudimentary form of interaction.
Xun clarified, ‘Currently, its survival is solely dependent on vaping.’
From an electronics perspective, the device boasts a remarkably simple design. Beyond a standard, commercially available vape, the modifications include a screen, a compact computer, and a sensor to detect when the vape is in use.
The device monitors the virtual pet’s well-being and the e-cigarette‘s battery level, dynamically updating the pet’s on-screen animation based on the user’s vaping habits.
Social Media Reactions: From Amused to Alarmed
The Vape-o-Gotchi has generated considerable buzz on social media platforms, with reactions ranging from enthusiastic calls for a commercial release to demands for its prohibition.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user exclaimed, ‘The tamagotchi vape is killing meee I want one so bad I’ll make sure to keep it alive’.
Another online commentator humorously stated, ‘The tamagotchi vape is speaking to me in a language I didn’t know I understood.’
One social media user simply posted, ‘I need the tamagotchi vape’.
Dark Humor and Health Concerns
Acknowledging the widely reported health risks associated with vaping, many commentators embraced the device’s inherent dark humor.
One user pondered, ‘Cancer or dead Tamagotchi?’
While an ardent enthusiast declared, ‘I WILL DIE BEFORE I LET MY TAMAGOTCHI DIE.’
Calls for Ban and Ethical Concerns
However, not all online responses to the Vape-o-Gotchi were lighthearted. Some expressed serious concerns.
‘Can we please ban this sort of thing,’ one commenter pleaded.
They argued, ‘A tamagotchi vape is only going to encourage more vaping.’
Another commenter bluntly asserted, ‘That should definitely be a crime.’
Another commenter urged for the prohibition of such devices, suggesting it could introduce vaping to a broader, potentially younger, demographic.
Future Developments and Project Status
Looking ahead, Xun and Camacho indicated they may incorporate the original ‘good’ mode, reversing the pet’s dependency so that users must abstain from vaping to keep it alive.
Further potential enhancements include a more traditional egg-shaped casing to resemble classic Tamagotchis and a ‘cuter’ virtual pet design.
The creators have considered publishing their project details, enabling others to replicate and construct their own versions of the device.
For the time being, however, the creators maintain that this remains ‘a fun project’ and not a product they intend to commercialize.