Claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces. Its "evil-twin" phobia, cleithrophobia, is the fear of getting stuck.
The two are often confused, so let's do a quick comparison.
Claustrophobics don't want to be in ANY small enclosed space; like a cave, for example.
Cleithrophobics would voluntarily walk into a cave with no problem as long as the entrance is big and stable so there's no chance of them getting trapped in it. But things like harness systems or tight squeezes may trigger them.
Both groups are likely to hate the video this article is about.
TikTok user @stickfigureboy99—who goes by Ethan—recently posted a video of himself squeezing into a hole that seems too small for a child and most house pets. The feat was so impressive the video has been viewed millions of times.
This is extremely dangerous. People can, and have, gotten fatally stuck in spots like this (cleithrophobics are right on this one, folks) doing exactly what Ethan is doing.
He made a point to explain he tried this with a group of cave rescuers and professional cavers present—and urged viewers to NOT TRY THIS YOURSELF.
@stickfigureboy99 Reposted due to guidelines, do not attempt #fyp #cave #caver #caveman
The hole is so small Ethan starts by trying to get his feet in; turning them sideways so they fit. He then inches his slender frame in up to his bottom, which he has to shimmy a bit to get through.
Once he is in the hole up to his chest, he must exhale fully for his rib cage to fit. Ethan slides one arm in first, then pulls himself further into the hole , turning his head sideways to fit into the narrow slot.
The video shows Ethan successfully squeeze his entire body into the seemingly-impossible hole and rewarding viewers with this smiling shot at the end.
As you can see, the hole is about the size of his head. Most people wouldn't have fit, or gotten stuck trying.
Again, DO NOT TRY THIS.
@stickfigureboy99/TikTok
The response was pretty consistent:
@stickfigureboy99/TikTok
@stickfigureboy99/TikTok
@stickfigureboy99/TikTok
@stickfigureboy99/TikTok
@stickfigureboy99/TikTok
The extreme levels of "nope" in the comments section would make you think this goes without saying, but DO NOT TRY THIS.
We are going to keep repeating it because, as we said before, people do try it and don't make it.
Something people pointed out.
@stickfigureboy99/TikTok
@stickfigureboy99/TikTok
Ethan did this as part of a rescue class, in the safest possible way.
You are (probably) not Ethan. Do not attempt.
If you are Ethan, the internet has something very important to say: "NOPE!"
@LeeMerrittesq/X
@bob_moss/X
@jelanijones/Bluesky
@Aurkayne/X
@sadcommunistdog; @froglok/Bluesky