Is this viral marketing… or something far more unsettling?
A disturbing digital campaign has been spreading across social media and public spaces, but no one seems to know how it begun or what it’s for.
Over recent weeks, reports have surfaced of cryptic “missing person” posters appearing in unexpected locations. There are no contact details on the missing poster, just a last seen date, the disturbing message “If they come back… they are not who they were” with the hashtag: #ItsUnderOurSkin beneath. With no official explanation, no listed organisation, and no obvious reasoning, speculation has already begun as to what it means.
One connection to these sightings are encrypted videos have started circulating online. Whilst I have been unable to find most of these video, some of which have been described as quite disturbing, a few short, encrypted video have now appeared on a new Instagram account: @thehawkthornemissing. Whilst it does not seem to provide any answer, it at least shows that there is some connection.
Like so many intrigued by what’s going on, I decided to follow the Instagram account and soon found myself receiving cryptic messages from it. These appear to be personalised, as after speaking to others, it’s clear we’ve all received something different. Whatever this is for it does seem as though whoever is behind this is clearly making a deliberate effort to reach out individually.
With so little information, theories have already started to spiral online. Whilst some have dismissed it as an interactive horror project, others suggest it may reference a fictional cult, citing a recurring, unidentifiable symbol used as the account’s profile image.
At this time nothing has been confirmed, but the situation seems to have already taken a darker turn after people were asked to share sightings of the missing posters or the symbol online using #ItsUnderOurSkin.
Some who have taken part in sharing the sightings claim that, shortly after posting, they began to experience a growing sense of unease. Hey have describing the feeling as though they were being constantly watched. One person said they have deleted their Instagram account because they found it too unnerving with unexplainable events. There have been reports of prank calls from unknown numbers or hearing knocks at their doors and windows, only to find no one there. At this time there is no reason to assume this is connected and could purely be a coincidence or just a case of psychological suggestion.
At the moment it is unclear what #ItsUnderOurSkin is related to and what it means, but one thing is certain.
People are noticing. People are sharing. And whatever it is… it’s spreading.
You can follow the mystery on Instagram: @thehawkthornemissing
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!