If you spend a lot of time online or consider yourself a Netflix enthusiast, you are probably familiar with the hit Korean series “Squid Game.” You may have also seen a person equipped with a pink onesie and a black mask roaming the halls of Price-Gilbert where they challenged students to a Korean game of Ddakji and slapped them if they lost, a hallmark of  “Squid Game’s” season one. Organized by Tahasan Hasan, second-year BA,  Tech’s version of the hit Netflix show started as a simple idea but quickly turned into a viral sensation, drawing widespread attention from students and social media alike.

Hasan’s inspiration for the event struck in an unlikely place — the shower. Reflecting on the bustling foot traffic of the Wednesday Marketplace, where thousands of students pass through without special permits, he envisioned an opportunity. Initially, Hasan was searching for a creative way to make money, having previously sold socks and hoodies at the marketplace. However, after watching “Squid Game,” an idea took root.

“What’s gonna be my next big thing?” Hasan said. “But then I thought, what if I actually held a competition? What if I charged people to enter and made a prize pool?”

His initial vision was small — a local contest for North Avenue Residence Hall residents — but it quickly expanded. The prospect of bringing a large-scale game to the entire campus was too exciting to pass, so the first competition was born.

The biggest hurdle Hasan faced was not organizing the games themselves but marketing them effectively. “If you just say, ‘Hey, I’m holding a Squid Game on campus,’ people aren’t going to get it,” he explained. “Your marketing has to be good.”

Hasan took to Tech Green’s walkway dressed in a signature pink “Squid Game” worker’s costume, challenging students to a mini-game of Dakji, where players take turns attempting to flip pieces of folded paper on the ground by throwing another piece of paper at it. 

The concept was simple: beat Hasan in the game, win $1, lose, and walk away with nothing. The strategy paid off — videos of the recruitment process went viral, with an Instagram post garnering over 4 million views overnight.

“I never expected it to blow up like that,” Hasan admitted. “It was surreal seeing people across the country talking about what was happening at Tech.”

Beyond marketing, logistical organization was key. Hasan collected sign-ups via Google Forms and used Excel — his self-described “bread and butter” — to organize teams, time slots, and matchups. Eventually, Hasan could hold a bigger version of the games with a $20 entry and a $250 prize. 

Hasan noted how many people see Tech as just a computer science-heavy school, but his “Squid Game” event provided a fun counterpoint to that stereotype.

“The caption on one of the viral videos was ‘Squid Games at Georgia Tech, but it’s 456 CS majors competing for one internship,’” Hasan said. “It’s funny because that’s a stereotype we have, but it also shows how we can play into it positively. People see Tech students as more than just programmers — we have fun, too.”

Hasan’s event is a testament to how student-led initiatives can unexpectedly shape campus culture. Events like these provide much-needed breaks from academic stress while fostering a sense of community and engagement. 

“Tech is a STEM school, so we don’t always get as many artistic or creative outlets,” Hasan said. “This was a way for students to engage with something fun and unique.”

The overwhelmingly positive reception has Hasan considering how to expand and refine the event in the future. “I’d love to enhance the production value, maybe add lighting or better organization,” he said. “But more than anything, I want to ensure it stays fun and accessible for students.”

What started as a simple entrepreneurial idea has become something much bigger — a cultural moment. Whether it remains a standalone success or becomes a lasting tradition, the Squid Game competition has undoubtedly left its mark on campus.

The post Entrepreneurial student finds unexpected success with Squid Game event appeared first on Technique.

Amidst the rhythmic pulse of the Institute’s academic landscape, a vibrant cultural celebration takes place annually — Makar Sankranti — transforming the campus skyline into a canvas of color, tradition and joy. This cherished event breaks through the monotony of school, inviting students to experience a time of cultural connection and festive spirit.

Vidit Pokharna, M.S. QCF ‘25’ and President of Hindu Youth for Unity, Virtues and Action (YUVA), shared his insights about the celebration. “Sankranti is celebrated all across India, marking the transition of the sun into Capricorn,” Pokharna said.

The event’s significance extends beyond mere festivity. Makar Sankranti, observed on Jan. 14, recognizes the lengthening of days as the sun begins to remain in the sky longer and longer each day. Pokharna states that observing the day outside helps participants during the winter months by exposing them to beneficial sunlight, boosting vitamin D production and improving overall health.

Kite- flying during Makar Sankranti is a tradition rich with symbolism and significance. Pokharna explained that kite- flying represents “freedom, hope and the triumph of light over darkness as the sun begins its northward journey.” 

This colorful practice also represents the connection between earth and sky, serving as a metaphorical offering to Surya, the sun god.

For agricultural communities, Sankranti is a powerful thanks-giving celebration. Farmers view this day as a moment of profound gratitude, honoring the agricultural cycles that sustain their lives. Pokharna said this day represents the culmination of hard work, the blessing of a bountiful harvest and hopeful anticipation for future agricultural seasons. Families gather to prepare traditional foods like laddu (sesame and jaggery sweets), representing the sweetness of life and the importance of maintaining relationships.

Despite the cold weather, the event was a success, featuring warm food from the Hindu Temple of Atlanta and kite- flying, and Hindu YUVA’s commitment to inclusivity was evident in their approach.

“It was a great way to talk to people one-on-one, including those who only stopped by for five minutes before going back to class,” said Pokharna. “We don’t want to limit it to Hindus inof any nature, but welcome all kinds of people,” Pokharna stated.

He encouraged students to view college as an opportunity to learn about and experience different cultures in keeping with Hindu YUVA’s mission to provide a platform for preserving Dharma while engaging with the wider campus community.

“Being in college, just take it as an opportunity to learn and experience another way of looking at things,” said Pokharna. “If we don’t continue to practice what we’ve grown up believing in and practicing our entire life, then we’re going to start to lose the essence of our culture and the culture that has been fostered for ages now.”  

For international students, Hindu YUVA’s events offer a connection to home. “We try to celebrate it in a way that these guys have celebrated back home,” Pokharna explained, citing their Ganesh Chaturthi celebration as an example of recreating authentic cultural experiences.

Hindu YUVA’s commitment to cultural preservation and inclusivity extends beyond Sankranti. “We’re not only focused on bringing Hindus together, but bringing the community together and using the Hindu values to do that,” Pokharna said. The organization hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including Raksha Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and more.

As the kites soared against the winter sky during Sankranti, they symbolized not only the joyous spirit of the festival but also the ascending aspirations of a diverse student body. Hindu YUVA continues to play a vital role in fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity, inviting all students to participate and learn, regardless of their background.

The post Kites and culture: Hindu YUVA celebrates Sankranti appeared first on Technique.

Instant gratification is the bane of this generation’s existence. Collectively, our moral compass has been dictated by the brain rot swipes of left, right, up, and down, but look no further, the United States may ban the source of it all – TikTok. 

The recent U.S. law mandating TikTok’s sale or ban has reignited the debate over the app’s national security implications and First Amendment concerns. While proponents argue the measure is necessary to protect user data, critics contend it lacks sufficient justification and may infringe on free speech rights.

The Biden administration and Congress have cited TikTok’s connection to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, as the primary reason for the crackdown. They argue that Chinese laws could compel ByteDance to share sensitive data with the Chinese government, potentially compromising national security. There are also concerns that China could manipulate TikTok’s content recommendation algorithms to spread election misinformation.

However, legal experts and civil liberties advocates argue that the government has not provided concrete evidence of these threats. Six constitutional law scholars interviewed by NPR agreed that banning TikTok based on vague national security concerns would likely violate the First Amendment rights of its 170 million American users. Evelyn Douek, a Stanford Law School professor, emphasized that the government must demonstrate real harms and prove that its response effectively mitigates those harms.

The new law attempts to address some of the legal challenges faced by previous ban attempts. It provides a longer time frame for TikTok’s sale and focuses on foreign ownership restrictions rather than content regulation, potentially shielding it from First Amendment challenges. However, critics argue that the law still faces constitutional hurdles and lacks a strong rationale for forcing the app’s sale.

One key issue is the government’s burden of proof. In a First Amendment challenge, courts would likely apply at least “intermediate scrutiny,” requiring the government to demonstrate that the ban is “narrowly tailored” to address specific national security concerns. The government would need to show that the alleged harms are real and not merely conjectural.

TikTok’s proposed “Project Texas” plan, which aims to create a firewall between U.S. user data and ByteDance, could play a significant role in the legal battle. The government will need to prove that this solution is inadequate to address security concerns. However, reports suggest that data still flows between TikTok’s U.S. personnel and those in China, and ByteDance retains control over the app’s algorithm and software updates. The case also raises questions about the feasibility of divesting from ByteDance. TikTok argues that such a divestiture is not commercially, technologically, or legally possible.

Critics of the ban point out potential hypocrisy, noting that American tech companies are among the most powerful in the world, and the U.S. government has its own history of surveillance. They argue that if the logic behind banning TikTok is applied consistently, other countries might justify banning U.S.-based social media platforms.

Furthermore, some experts question the effectiveness of a ban, given that users could potentially bypass it using VPNs. The outcome may have far-reaching consequences for data privacy, algorithm transparency, and the balance between national security interests and First Amendment rights in the digital age.

As the controversy unfolds, it’s clear that the ban raises complex questions about the intersection of technology, security, and constitutional rights. The courts will ultimately have to weigh the government’s national security claims against the First Amendment implications of banning a popular platform for expression and communication. Let’s face it. How tired are we seeing children in bright neon “drip” burp in mountain dew and sing rhythmic chants of W vs L rizz? Because I know I am. 

The post TikTok’s U.S. troubles appeared first on Technique.

Instant gratification is the bane of our generation’s existence. The brain-rot swipes of left, right, up, and down dictate more than just our screen time but our moral compass. Soon, the United States may ban a source of culpable content– TikTok. 

The recent U.S. law mandating TikTok’s sale or ban reignited the debate over the app’s national security implications and First Amendment concerns. While proponents argue the measure is necessary to protect user data and prevent foreign influence, critics contend it lacks sufficient justification and may infringe on free speech rights.

Let’s face it, how tired are we seeing children in bright neon “drip” sing rhythmic chants of W vs L rizz? Because I know I am. Beyond the annoyance, there are legitimate concerns about TikTok’s impact on our minds and society. The app’s addictive nature, driven by its algorithm, creates a cycle of decay that erodes attention spans and distorts social interactions. The app’s existence is detrimental, and it should be banned for the foreseeable future.  

The Biden administration and Congress have cited TikTok’s connection to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, as the primary reason for the crackdown. They argue that Chinese laws could compel ByteDance to share sensitive user data with the Chinese government, potentially compromising national security. Additionally, there are concerns that China could manipulate TikTok’s content recommendation algorithms to spread misinformation, particularly during critical events like elections.

Some legal experts and civil liberties advocates argue that the government has not provided concrete evidence of these threats. Six constitutional law scholars interviewed by NPR agreed that banning TikTok based on vague national security concerns would likely violate the First Amendment rights of its 170 million American users. Stanford Law School Professor Evelyn Douek emphasized that the government must demonstrate real harm and prove that its response effectively mitigates those harms.

The new law attempts to address some of the legal challenges faced by previous ban attempts by providing a longer time frame for TikTok’s sale and focusing on foreign ownership restrictions rather than content regulation, potentially shielding it from First Amendment challenges. Critics argue that the law still faces constitutional hurdles and lacks a strong rationale for forcing the app’s sale.

One key issue is the government’s burden of proof. In a First Amendment challenge, courts would likely apply at least “intermediate scrutiny,” requiring the government to demonstrate that the ban is “narrowly tailored” to address specific national security concerns. The government would need to show that the alleged harms are not merely conjectural and that the ban will address these matters.

TikTok’s proposed “Project Texas” plan, which aims to create a firewall between U.S. user data and ByteDance, could play a significant role in the legal battle. The government must prove that this solution is inadequate to address security concerns. 

The case also raises questions about the feasibility of divesting from ByteDance. TikTok argues that such a divestiture is not commercially, technologically, or legally possible, citing Chinese regulations that would complicate or obstruct a sale. The outcome may have far-reaching consequences for data privacy, algorithm transparency, and the balance between national security interests and First Amendment rights in the digital age. The balance lies in taking decisive action to eliminate the potential threat, even if it means enforcing an outright ban.

As the controversy unfolds, it’s clear that the TikTok ban raises complex questions about the intersection of technology, national security, and constitutional rights. While the government argues that the measure is necessary to protect American interests, it faces a challenge in justifying such a sweeping action without infringing on free speech. The courts will ultimately have to weigh the government’s national security claims against the First Amendment implications of banning a popular platform for expression and communication. 

While the national security concerns are significant, the cultural degradation driven by TikTok also warrants serious consideration. Balancing these issues with the right to privacy is no easy task, but the potential benefits of curbing TikTok’s influence outweigh the costs. The U.S. TikTok ban is vital for a step toward safeguarding our nation’s security and, more importantly, our societal well-being.

The post Is the U.S. Tik Tok Ban Justified? appeared first on Technique.

Instant gratification is the bane of our generation’s existence. The brain-rot swipes of left, right, up, and down dictate more than just our screen time but our moral compass. Soon, the United States may ban a source of culpable content– TikTok. 

The recent U.S. law mandating TikTok’s sale or ban reignited the debate over the app’s national security implications and First Amendment concerns. While proponents argue the measure is necessary to protect user data and prevent foreign influence, critics contend it lacks sufficient justification and may infringe on free speech rights.

Let’s face it, how tired are we seeing children in bright neon “drip” sing rhythmic chants of W vs L rizz? Because I know I am. Beyond the annoyance, there are legitimate concerns about TikTok’s impact on our minds and society. The app’s addictive nature, driven by its algorithm, creates a cycle of decay that erodes attention spans and distorts social interactions. The app’s existence is detrimental, and it should be banned for the foreseeable future.  

The Biden administration and Congress have cited TikTok’s connection to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, as the primary reason for the crackdown. They argue that Chinese laws could compel ByteDance to share sensitive user data with the Chinese government, potentially compromising national security. Additionally, there are concerns that China could manipulate TikTok’s content recommendation algorithms to spread misinformation, particularly during critical events like elections.

Some legal experts and civil liberties advocates argue that the government has not provided concrete evidence of these threats. Six constitutional law scholars interviewed by NPR agreed that banning TikTok based on vague national security concerns would likely violate the First Amendment rights of its 170 million American users. Stanford Law School Professor Evelyn Douek emphasized that the government must demonstrate real harm and prove that its response effectively mitigates those harms.

The new law attempts to address some of the legal challenges faced by previous ban attempts by providing a longer time frame for TikTok’s sale and focusing on foreign ownership restrictions rather than content regulation, potentially shielding it from First Amendment challenges. Critics argue that the law still faces constitutional hurdles and lacks a strong rationale for forcing the app’s sale.

One key issue is the government’s burden of proof. In a First Amendment challenge, courts would likely apply at least “intermediate scrutiny,” requiring the government to demonstrate that the ban is “narrowly tailored” to address specific national security concerns. The government would need to show that the alleged harms are not merely conjectural and that the ban will address these matters.

TikTok’s proposed “Project Texas” plan, which aims to create a firewall between U.S. user data and ByteDance, could play a significant role in the legal battle. The government must prove that this solution is inadequate to address security concerns. 

The case also raises questions about the feasibility of divesting from ByteDance. TikTok argues that such a divestiture is not commercially, technologically, or legally possible, citing Chinese regulations that would complicate or obstruct a sale. The outcome may have far-reaching consequences for data privacy, algorithm transparency, and the balance between national security interests and First Amendment rights in the digital age. The balance lies in taking decisive action to eliminate the potential threat, even if it means enforcing an outright ban.

As the controversy unfolds, it’s clear that the TikTok ban raises complex questions about the intersection of technology, national security, and constitutional rights. While the government argues that the measure is necessary to protect American interests, it faces a challenge in justifying such a sweeping action without infringing on free speech. The courts will ultimately have to weigh the government’s national security claims against the First Amendment implications of banning a popular platform for expression and communication. 

While the national security concerns are significant, the cultural degradation driven by TikTok also warrants serious consideration. Balancing these issues with the right to privacy is no easy task, but the potential benefits of curbing TikTok’s influence outweigh the costs. The U.S. TikTok ban is vital for a step toward safeguarding our nation’s security and, more importantly, our societal well-being.

The post Is the U.S. Tik Tok ban justified? appeared first on Technique.

April marks the celebration of National Poetry Month, a time when poets enthusiasts come together to honor the impact of poetry on their lives. At Tech, the organization Poetry@Tech takes the spotlight during this month-long celebration with a plethora of engaging activities and events.

To gain further insight into the event, the Technique interviewed Literature, Media, and Communication professor Victoria Chang, Director of the Poetry@Tech Program and Margaret T. and Henry C. Bourne Chair. In her capacity on campus, Chang plays a key role as the coordinator with the help of her colleague, Associate Director Travis Denton. Additionally, Denton is a poet, editor of Terminus, Poetry@Tech’s literary magazine and an esteemed
veteran at Poetry@Tech.

“So one of the great things about Georgia Tech is that it’s a technical school, right? But one of the really cool things is that people had the vision beforehand. The Bourne family and also Bruce McEver, some early supporters, had the vision to start a poetry attack. And so, we do these readings, as part of Poetry@Tech, so we bring in all these poets from all over the place,” Chang said.

After asking Chang about her involvement in Poetry@Tech, she recounted a particularly gratifying question that solidified her reason for planning activities around poetry. She reflected on her motivation, expressing the desire to bring language to individuals who might not attend their readings. Chang imagined blanketing Tech’s campus with language and poetry, hoping to provide transformative moments to everyone on campus, even if just for a split second, to those who encounter it during their day.

Chang further explored the activities of National Poetry Month in detail, shedding light on the collaborative efforts behind Poetry@Tech’s initiatives.

Chang detailed their collaborative efforts with the communications department at the Ivan Allen College, leading to an array of initiatives aimed at promoting poetry on campus. They embarked on brainstorming sessions that culminated in several activities, including the distribution of yard signs featuring snippets of poetry and quotes, aimed at providing a glimpse into the essence of poetry — a concept Chang admits is “endlessly inexplicable.” This initiative also featured “pause for poetry” segments, further exploring poetry’s indefinable nature. 

As part of these early endeavors, the yard signs stood out as a significant element on Tech’s campus. Additionally, the celebration of poetry will peak with a reading event scheduled for April 18, featuring three poets. 

Besides these efforts, the program also hosts a variety of other engagements designed to facilitate creativity with language. One method of spreading their message is leveraging social media platforms to encourage student participation in poetry readings and discussions about personal interpretations of poetry. 

The initiative also includes activities organized by the creative writing club, like open mic sessions, and the broadcasting of poems through the media bridge, complemented by recordings.

 All of these efforts are designed to provide the campus community with language and poetry on a daily basis.

“So we put out approximately 100 yard signs. And so that was, you know, really, really fun. And I think people have seen them around so that’s a good thing because I’ve been getting some notes and things like that from people,” Chang said.

On April 18 Poetry@Tech is hosting a poetry reading featuring three acclaimed poets. Chang made it clear that each poet that is selected is properly vetted before inviting them to Poetry@Tech.

“We have Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Carl Phillips, Jessica Tanck, who is a first-book poet and winner of the Georgia Poetry Award, and Sam Sax, known for his dynamic spoken word poetry background,” Chang said.

Chang emphasized the diversity and talent represented by each poet, showcasing a range of styles and experiences within the literary landscape. The event includes a poetry performance workshop led by Sam Sax at 11 a.m. in the Arts at Tech lobby, followed by the reading at 7 p.m. in the Cypress Theater and a reception at 6 p.m. 

Chang highlighted the collaborative nature of Poetry@Tech’s events, which fosters partnerships across campus and welcomes participation from the community. 

According to Chang, these readings typically draw a significant audience, with up to 250 attendees, reflecting the widespread interest and support for poetry within and beyond the Tech community.

The journey through National Poetry Month with Poetry@Tech, as Chang explains it, “illuminates the profound impact of poetry on the Georgia Tech community. The approach to teaching poetry at Georgia Tech has evolved, offering a broader understanding of art’s significance in our lives.” 

To support this, Chang’s advocacy for artificial intelligence’s collaboration with poetry tackles arguments against dehumanizing poetry.

“By nurturing open and creative minds, we equip ourselves to tackle the complex challenges of the future. Indeed, poetry and technology, with its transformative power, have the capacity to change the world, one verse at a time. As we continue our journey beyond National Poetry Month, let us carry forth this spirit of openness and appreciation for the arts, enriching both our lives and the world around us,” Chang said.

Her hope for an open-minded embrace of all forms of art, including poetry, resonates as a call to integrate creativity into the personal and professional
spheres of the Institute.

The post Poetry@Tech observes National Poetry Month appeared first on Technique.

The Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts (IAC) at Tech recently hosted its event for prospective and incoming undergraduate students, Shadow Day, on Thursday, Jan. 26. Orchestrated by Elizabeth Miller, Director of Enrollment and Student Affairs, Cameron Huggins, Program Support Coordinator and the Ivan Allen Student Ambassadors, the event provided an opportunity for attendees to experience the life of a liberal arts student at an institute renowned for its emphasis on technology.

To gain further insight into the event, the Technique interviewed Kaeli Lawrence,  first-year PUBP and IAC ambassador. In her capacity at the campus, Lawrence played a key role as a volunteer coordinator under the guidance of Kimberly Kassis,  fourth-year International Affairs and Modern Languages (IAML) ambassador. 

“The preparation process was very meticulous since we aimed to make this experience as organized and impactful as possible. Though it demanded a lot of time and effort, the end result was incredibly rewarding, especially seeing prospective students genuinely enjoying their exploration of the campus,” Lawrence shared.

She recounted a particularly gratifying outcome from the event, saying, “I had two separate students tell me at the end of Shadow Day that they decided to pay their deposit for Georgia Tech as soon as they returned home. This speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the day. It allows students and parents to gain a deeper understanding of campus life, student dynamics and the multifaceted opportunities available at Tech, in a way that closely mirrors the real
college experience.”

Lawrence further emphasized the uniqueness of Shadow Day compared to other recruitment programs. 

“What sets Shadow Day apart is its highly personalized approach. We ensure that most activities host no more than 10 students at a time. This small group setting is possible because we simultaneously organize multiple events, each tailored to different student interests. This attention to detail and commitment to providing a bespoke experience for every attendee is truly remarkable. It’s these aspects that distinguish Shadow Day from other programs and make it an invaluable tool in showcasing the Georgia Tech experience for prospective liberal arts students,” she said. 

Throughout the day, students experienced a personalized journey through the life of a Tech student, thanks to schedules crafted based on their interests and the information they provided upon registration. Current student volunteers guided each attendee through the campus and participated alongside them
in various activities. 

Students had the opportunity to attend real classroom sessions, giving them a sample of the academic rigor and environment at Tech. Personalized tours led by current students offered an intimate look at the campus, including insights into major-specific areas of interest. The major interest luncheon and interactions during breakfast with deans, students and faculty provided valuable networking opportunities and deeper insights into the college community.

Parents and guests were not left out of the event. They participated in their own set of activities, including panels on academic advising, financial aid and Q&A sessions with the admissions team and college deans. These sessions provided them with a comprehensive understanding of the support systems and resources available at Tech.

Reagan Lengefeld, third-year PUBP, reflected on the diversity of experiences offered during Shadow Day, from student-hosted panels to attending actual classes. 

“Shadow Day was a significant reason I chose Tech. It’s amazing to now help others in the same position I was,” Reagan said, emphasizing the event’s impact on her decision to attend Tech.

James Connor, third-year CS/PUBP student volunteer at Shadow Day, recounted his experience leading small group tours and interacting with attendees. “Shadow Day stands out as an exceptionally creative approach to experiencing what it’s like to study at the Ivan Allen College,” Connor said.

The event’s success was attributed to the Ivan Allen Student Ambassadors and the college’s commitment to providing a comprehensive, realistic view of campus life for prospective students and their families. 

Shadow Day continues to be a pivotal experience, influencing the decisions of future students and shaping the community at Tech’s IAC. This is especially important given the growth of non-STEM majors at Tech. 

The post IAC Shadow Day opens doors for future students appeared first on Technique.