Quadroberation or escape from reality: how Ukrainians reacted to the discussion of a new subculture on the air of the United News

In Ukraine, there is a real boom in quad biking — a new subculture that is rapidly gaining popularity. This trend has won over young people, in particular due to their active presence in social networks. Quadrobers can now be seen not only on the streets, but also on television. Recently, one of them appeared on the air of the nationwide telethon “Yedini Novyni”, where the presenters discussed this phenomenon with the popular blogger and representative of the subculture, Anneta Barsovna.

Annette stated that “Quadrobers are people, and people are Quadrobers”, claiming that over 96% of the population already belong to this subculture, even if they don’t realize it yet. She compared quad biking to a sport that strengthens the spine, brain and fingers, highlighting its benefits for the body and mind.

According to the blogger, her interest in this direction appeared back in 1997, but Annette made her “coming out” only at the age of 49. After that, she decided to publicly demonstrate her passion on social networks. “It was difficult for people to accept it,” said Annette, explaining the reaction of those around her.

She also considers herself the country’s main quadrober, because she is not ashamed of her passion. Together with like-minded people, Anneta regularly visits a specially rented closed area in the park, where they can exercise together. Her husband and godmother also share this passion, but in everyday life they try not to advertise it, so their neighbors do not even guess about the special way of life of the family.

Not all Ukrainians reacted unequivocally to the fact that the topic of quadroberts was discussed on the air of the telethon “Yedini Novyni”. Many believe that such questions do not correspond to the seriousness and importance of national information programs, especially in times of war, when the focus should be on security and public support. Some viewers expressed the opinion that such topics distract from really important issues and cause misunderstanding among people who expect an in-depth analysis of current events.

Here are some examples of comments by Ukrainians in social networks who criticized the discussion of quadroberstva on the telethon:

Ivan M., 45 years old: “When our country is fighting for its survival, discussing ATVs on the national airwaves is simply disrespectful to those who are currently on the front lines. There are more important topics that deserve attention!”.

Olena K., 34 years old: “The telethon was created to inform about events in the country, not to promote some strange subcultures. This is not the kind of content we expect to see during a war.”

Serhii P., 29 years old: “I don’t understand why quadrocopters should be discussed on the national airwaves. It seems to me that there are more urgent topics that need attention, especially in wartime.”

Maria L., 52 years old: “Such questions have their place in entertainment programs, not on a telethon, where we should discuss things that are fateful for the country.”

Oleksandr G., 41 years old: “We are waiting for important information about defense, economy and recovery, and we are being shown quadcopters. It is somehow not serious, especially at such a difficult time for the country.”

Natalia S., 38 years old: “It seems that they are trying to divert our attention from real problems. I am not against subcultures, but why discuss it on national television?”.

Petro D., 56 years old: “Instead of supporting people and showing how we’re all working together to win, we’re talking about quadrobbery. That’s not what should be on the agenda right now.”

Victoria T., 27 years old: “I understand that people need a break from the news, but why do it as part of a telethon? We have to take the media space seriously during wartime.”

Maxim L., 30 years old: “The topic of quadcopters may be interesting for someone, but is it worth spending airtime on it, when events are happening in the country every day that really affect our future?”.

Psychologist Maryna Didenko explained, why the quadrober subculture has gained popularity among teenagers right now.

“We live in a state of chronic stress. Children also experience a huge emotional load, which they need to remove somehow. Quadrobics, this subculture, identity, perfectly helps to cope with this. Teenagers can reincarnate, experience certain emotions through the game. Besides, it is a kind of physical activity, because quad aerobics is aerobics on four limbs, which lives up to its name.” Didenko noted.

She also noted that during stressful periods, people often tend to think magically, which is a kind of protective reaction.

“We cannot fully understand what is happening around us. At this moment, we want something magical, fabulous. That is why astrologers and tarot readers are popular now – it is a way to relax and believe in a miracle. The same applies to children and teenagers.” – explained the psychologist.

Didenko added that although children’s psyches are more flexible and adaptive compared to adults’ psyches, children also have their limits of endurance. The full-scale war is now in its third year, and before that the children faced restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Modern Ukrainian children are experiencing losses, adapting to new living conditions, facing problems with sleep and learning, because they cannot attend school in the usual way. All these factors cause a desire to relieve the psyche and escape from the reality, which is constantly full of stress due to the war.” – concluded the psychologist.

For reference: quadrobists are people, mostly teenagers, who imitate the actions and habits of animals. Adherents of quad biking perceive it as a subculture and/or a special unofficial sport.