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Fidget spinners. You have questions. (What are they? How does it work? Why are they popular?) We have answers.
Every so often, a small, kind of dumb, and embarrassingly entertaining toy catches fire on the internet and or with teens and you’re left wondering, what? This week, month and possibly year, it’s the fidget spinner.
A fidget spinner, also called a hand spinner, is a gadget about the size of your palm with two or three prongs and a circle in the center. You pinch the center and spin the prongs and voila, entertainment. You can also spin it by whacking a prong with your opposite hand or make up tricks of your own. If it’s spinning, it’s working. Youths love it; teachers hate it.
If you are more of a visual learner, enjoy the tutorial below.
For the fidget spinner who wants to both enjoy a fun toy slash trend and also take themselves a tad too seriously, Forbes has your “well, actually” defense. Apparently, they can help with nerves, A.D.D. and engagement. They will help you become more present in your life. Fidgeting can even extend your life. According to Forbes, fidget spinners can also help you make friends.
We also found that the spinners are a good conversation piece. People tend to wonder what in the world you’re playing with, and when someone actually recognizes them, it’s like an instant bonding moment.
And, of course, while you are figuring out the basics of a standard spin, teens are already onto tricks and spinning their spinners off desks and the ground and their faces. (Not to be outdone by a bunch of kids, Reddit also has an active and intense fidget spinning community.) There are product comparison and unboxing videos on YouTube. No doubt a #FidgetChallenge is imminent. Get on board before you feel old.
Honestly, the fidget spinner looks real fun. You can buy them on Amazon for cheap, spend a fortune if you so choose or make your own if you’re real hardcore.
