A Twitch streamer has ignited a debate after allowing subscribers to subject him to ‘Chinese water torture’ in exchange for money.
Known as IZIDORE on the streaming platform, this American content creator became widely talked about on April 14. He introduced a controversial stunt that many liken to scenarios depicted in the dystopian series, Black Mirror.
With nearly 40,000 followers, IZIDORE set up a mechanism to conduct a form of ‘Chinese water torture’ on himself. This involved a device that released water onto his head whenever viewers purchased Bits, Twitch’s virtual currency, or subscribed to his channel.
The New York Times details that Chinese water torture was historically an interrogation method originating from Asia.
This punishing technique involves dripping water slowly onto a person’s forehead, causing severe psychological stress and discomfort over time.
Despite the distressing nature of the stunt, IZIDORE went ahead with it, drawing an audience of nearly half a million viewers who watched him endure the ordeal.
He provided his audience with the opportunity to purchase Bits to activate the water-dropping device, offering options ranging from a single drop to a large ‘mega drop.’
Throughout the 16-hour livestream, IZIDORE was exposed to varying amounts of water on his face. When questioned by a viewer about his motivations, he simply stated: “Rent is due.”
The footage has been criticized on social media, with many questioning the ethics of the streamer’s actions.
One person expressed on Twitter: “Chinese torture methods for fame and money is CRAZY.”
Some have drawn parallels to Black Mirror’s episode ‘Common People,’ where a character resorts to performing extreme stunts online to earn money for his wife’s medical expenses.
The episode’s protagonist finds himself in increasingly dangerous situations, mirroring the desperations seen in the modern content creation landscape.
“I just finished that episode 20 minutes ago and this reminded [me] of it too!” commented another viewer.
Another Twitter user remarked: “Streamers using Black Mirror for ideas.”
Several others interpreted the event as a ‘sad’ commentary on contemporary society and technology.
“This is why ‘content creation’ feels more like self-destruction with a ring light lately,” someone else noted.
IZIDORE, however, stated that he did not feel ‘tortured’ by the event. At the end of the stream, he shared: “That was so fun, chat. The outcome was way better than expected.”
This isn’t the first time he’s engaged in unusual, if not potentially hazardous, activities for online attention. Previously, he consumed 100 chicken nuggets, confined himself in a cage for an entire day, and permitted viewers to ‘flashbang’ him using effects in his closet.
In another stream, he attempted to construct a house of cards, only for it to be repeatedly disrupted by viewer donations.
Regardless, it’s advisable not to replicate these actions at home.