I recently heard a theory that sometime in the not-so-distant future, there would be a device that would allow you to almost instantly see a multitude of information about someone just by pointing this device at them. I don’t know about you, but to me, that’s terrifying. I don’t want random strangers capable of knowing a bunch of information about me!
But this got me thinking. What if everything we had worked to hide became blatantly obvious? What if everyone had to wear a warning label, displaying if their inside is as beautiful as their outside (or vice versa)?
So, I asked people what their warning labels would say. Here are the responses I received from 34 college students:
“Overly blunt and usually indifferent.” - Kelli, 20, Marketing/Accounting (Yep, that’s me!)
“Prone to injury.” - Sara, 20, Nursing
“I’m right, you’re wrong.” - Brent, 21, History/Philosophy, Politics and the Public (PPP)/Economics/Political Science
“Makes everything less of a big deal than it is.” - Daniel, 20, Business
“I’m crazy.” - Jenna, 18, Occupational Therapy
“Will be late to everything regardless of prep time given.” - Brendan, 20, Communications
“Can be loud when upset.” - Jenny, 19, Actuarial Science
“I’m indecisive.” - Gem, 21, Economics/Political Science/International Studies
“Very nice until you get to know me.” - Nick, 20, Accounting
“I will hit on you.” - Ellen, 21, Elementary Education
“Resting bitch face.” - Bella, 18, Nursing
“Diabetic.” - Brandon, 21, Finance
“Says ‘sorry’ too much.” - Sarah, 19, Economics, Sustainability, and Society
“Edgy when hungry.” - Abby, 21, Social Work
“Extremely oblivious and self-conscious.” - Katlyn, 20, Elementary Education
“Sometimes it’s not sarcasm.” - Derek, 21, Biophysics
“Socially awkward.” - Sara, 20, Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy
“Depression and anxiety.” - Hayley, 20, Marketing
“Bad temper.” - Michael, 21, Finance
“Accelerates for pedestrians.” - Ryan, 18, Engineering/Physics
“Nerd with attitude.” - Rayanne, 20, Biology/Spanish
“Too sensitive.” - Kaitie, 19, Elementary Education
“Excessive emotional baggage.” - Michael, 20, Finance/Health Services Administration
“No bullshit.” - Adam, 22, Management
“Cold-hearted, driven.” - Greg, 20, Economics
“Pragmatic hipster.” - Braden, 21, Biochemistry
“I worry and overthink everything.” - Allie, 20, Occupational Therapy
“Study freak.” - Rachel, 18, Chemistry
“I’m tired.” - Ben, 20, Biology
“Please do not approach with bullshit.” - Ese, 17, Marketing
“Gossip queen.” - Lauren, 20, Nursing
“Momma’s boy.” - Jake, 18, Business
“Will not pay attention.” - Sam, 19, Actuarial Science
“I’m obnoxious.” - Michael, 21, Management
Most people answered with little hesitation. Some took longer. And a couple took a day or two. But I guess it’s important, because it shows self-awareness and that not everyone has problems that they wear on their sleeve. It’s just funny to me that the answers never repeated, and that most people made labels that I wouldn’t have stuck to them, but after thinking about it, it made sense.
What would your warning label say?
