Frog Blink: TikTok trend to combat unpleasant staring

Being stared at on public transport can be extremely uncomfortable. On Tiktok, women report on their experiences and exchange tips on how best to react to them. This is how the “Frog Blink” is supposed to help: It imitates a slow, expressionless blink that is reminiscent of frogs. This is intended to show the starer that he should refrain from doing this.

Videos with over half a million likes can be found on Tiktok under the hashtag #frogblink. In addition, some videos were shared or saved often: some over 110,000 times.

A similar look, but intended to have the same effect, is the “doll wink”. The facial expressions are as emotionless as those of a doll. And here too: The aim is to draw attention to the unpleasant staring and at the same time let the other person’s gaze go blank.

20-minute readers talk about how they experience the unpleasant feeling of being stared at – and how they deal with it:

“It often happens that I am stared at on public transport or on the street.” This is an unpleasant situation. Most of the time I try to ignore the stares – as long as there are no verbal comments. Under no circumstances will I respond to such looks or comments. Whenever someone spoke to me, I remained polite and tried to escape the situation.”

«Unfortunately, being stared at – whether in the city, on public transport or elsewhere – is no stranger to me. Most of the time I just try to ignore it, but I hate it, especially when it comes from older men. In situations like this, I take a clear look back. It makes me angry, but I’m not afraid because I’m going to show that this kind of thing is wrong. I think it’s cool and important that more and more women are supporting this trend and that we stick together.”

“Unfortunately, I know being stared at all too well – it happens all the time, especially on public transport. You can literally feel how people’s eyes are following you. I notice it most when I’m dressed a little nicer. The staring is really uncomfortable and I usually just try to ignore it. When I was out and about with friends, I sometimes looked back stupidly to make it clear that I noticed. Sometimes it helps to stare back – but some people just carry on anyway.”

“I used to often feel insecure and anxious when people stared at me. Now I consciously look back, even if it sometimes seems a bit stupid. It’s to show that I notice and that they can’t just carry on as they want. This feeling is often even stronger abroad. But even then I try to keep control and make it clear that I won’t put up with it.”