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Backrooms vs. SCP

What's the Difference?

Both Backrooms and SCP are popular internet horror concepts that involve mysterious and unsettling environments. In Backrooms, individuals find themselves trapped in a seemingly endless series of yellow, nondescript rooms with a sense of impending danger lurking around every corner. SCP, on the other hand, stands for Secure, Contain, Protect, and revolves around a fictional organization that documents and contains anomalous objects and entities that defy the laws of nature. While both concepts share a sense of unease and mystery, SCP focuses more on the containment and study of supernatural phenomena, while Backrooms focuses on the experience of being lost in a surreal and terrifying environment.

Comparison

Backrooms
Photo by Md Mahdi on Unsplash
AttributeBackroomsSCP
OriginInternet CreepypastaOnline collaborative fiction
ThemeEndless maze-like roomsAnomalous objects and entities
CommunityPrimarily online fanbaseCollaborative writing community
CanonLoosely definedStrictly maintained
FormatShort stories, images, videosStructured articles
SCP
Photo by Elio Santos on Unsplash

Further Detail

Introduction

Both the Backrooms and SCP (Secure, Contain, Protect) are popular internet phenomena that have captured the imagination of many. While they both involve mysterious and unsettling environments, they have distinct differences in terms of their origins, themes, and fan communities.

Origins

The Backrooms originated from a creepypasta story that was first posted on the internet in 2019. The story describes a seemingly endless series of yellow, nondescript rooms that are said to exist beyond reality. On the other hand, SCP is a collaborative writing project that began on the SCP Foundation website in 2008. It features a fictional organization that documents and contains anomalous objects and entities.

Themes

One of the key themes of the Backrooms is the feeling of being lost in a vast, empty space with no way out. The rooms are described as being eerily similar yet subtly different, creating a sense of unease and disorientation. In contrast, SCP explores the concept of containment and the consequences of interacting with supernatural or otherworldly entities. The stories often delve into the ethical dilemmas of containing dangerous anomalies.

Environments

In the Backrooms, the environment is characterized by its monotonous yellow walls, buzzing fluorescent lights, and the constant hum of machinery. The rooms are said to stretch on infinitely, with no discernible end in sight. On the other hand, SCP features a wide range of environments, from containment cells to underground research facilities to alternate dimensions. Each SCP entry describes a unique setting that adds to the mystery and intrigue of the story.

Entities

In the Backrooms, the primary threat comes from the entities that inhabit the space, such as the "Hounds" or the "Smilers." These creatures are described as hostile and unpredictable, adding to the sense of danger and suspense. In SCP, the entities are known as SCPs, and they range from harmless anomalies to world-ending threats. Each SCP has its own containment procedures and backstory, making them a central focus of the narrative.

Fan Communities

Both the Backrooms and SCP have dedicated fan communities that contribute to the lore and mythology of each respective universe. Fans of the Backrooms often create their own stories and artwork inspired by the original creepypasta, expanding on the concept of the endless rooms. SCP fans participate in collaborative writing projects, creating new SCP entries and exploring the interconnected nature of the SCP Foundation universe.

Conclusion

While the Backrooms and SCP share some similarities in terms of their mysterious and unsettling environments, they have distinct differences in terms of their origins, themes, and fan communities. Whether you prefer the claustrophobic terror of the Backrooms or the cosmic horror of SCP, both offer a unique and immersive storytelling experience that continues to captivate audiences around the world.

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