# Walking Contest Videos Human Awkwardness is Exposed in This Walking Contest Video By Megan Facciuolo | Published 2014-03-17 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walking-contest-video References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/page/2/) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/DanielKorenful) The Walking Contest video sheds light on a situation that we have all experienced: walking directly beside a stranger at the same pace. Video creator and star Daniel Koren relates the situation to a [walking contest](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-10k-challenge). Why does such a natural thing, like walking next to someone, implode feelings of awkwardness? In this video, Koren voices his thoughts and actions when walking next to a stranger symmetrically. His thoughts are similar to those in a competition or race; "Should I walk faster?" "Should I look busier?" and "Who should pull back?" This video supports the notion that we all want some [personal space](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strangely), even in areas that lack it, such as a [busy city street](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-explorers). But really, what makes us so uncomfortable about it? With millions of people populating a city, there is bound to be one person walking in the same direction as you are. Embrace the human connection -- or just give yourself a workout by challenging them to a race. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Viral](https://www.trendhunter.com/viral) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Awkwardness in Daily Encounters:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop technologies or strategies to alleviate feelings of awkwardness in everyday interactions. - **Importance of Personal Space:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore solutions to create personal space in crowded environments, improving comfort and reducing stress. - **Reimagining Urban Mobility:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Rethink transportation systems and infrastructure to enhance mobility while considering individual preferences for personal space. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Social Interaction Technologies:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop platforms or applications that facilitate smoother and less awkward social interactions, especially in crowded urban settings. - **Architecture and Urban Planning:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design cities and urban spaces with a focus on providing adequate personal space and minimizing uncomfortable encounters. - **Transportation and Mobility Solutions:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative transportation options that prioritize individual comfort and personal space, reimagining urban mobility experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Caveman-Centric Running Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/craft-sportswear-brand-film.md) - [Gamified Walking Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walkable.md) - [Streetside Challenge Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gymbox-start-line.md) - [Gamified Walking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lawa.md) - [Anti-Scrolling Step Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marathumb-challenge.md) - [Dating App Running Clubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinder-solemates-challenge.md) - [Female-Focused Walking Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-girl-walk-united.md) - [Ultra-Fast Walking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shift-robotics-moonwalkers.md) - [Wellness-Forward Running Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soft-wins.md)