A Psychological Scientist Explains the "Ick" TikTok Trend

What is the "Ick"?

The ick is a slang term used to describe a feeling of disgust that arises towards a love interest usually after a specific often trivial behavior. The ick is this feeling that you get in the early stages of a dating relationship you could also feel it later on but most often in the early stages.

The Psychology Behind the Ick

According to Dr. Jessica Carbino, a psychological scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, the ick is a natural defense mechanism that helps us avoid potential mates who may not be compatible with us. "The ick is a way of our body telling us that something is not right," she says.

Carbino explains that the ick is often triggered by behaviors that violate our expectations or that we find to be unhygienic or disgusting. For example, someone who chews with their mouth open, picks their nose, or has bad breath may trigger the ick in others.

The ick can also be triggered by behaviors that we find to be incompatible with our values or beliefs. For example, someone who is racist, sexist, or homophobic may trigger the ick in others who share different values.

While the ick can be a helpful way to protect us from incompatible mates, it's important to remember that it's not always a reliable indicator of compatibility. Sometimes, the ick can be triggered by factors that are not within our control, such as our culture or personal history.