S’pore Man Called Cheapskate After He Shares IKEA Hack to Get More Ice Cream

Last Updated on 2023-05-23 , 9:21 am

IKEA ice cream is generally considered to be a cheap thrill among Singaporeans.

For only $0.50, the ice cream makes Singapore’s hot weather more bearable.

This man shared a hack for getting more ice cream.

However, instead of receiving compliments, he received backlash instead.

Uploaded an Instagram Video

On 17 May, Instagram user Jason Soo posted an Instagram video detailing the hack.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jason Soo (@jazsoo)

Describing the hack as a way for customers to “get more ice cream at the same price”, the video features his daughter trying out the hack.

Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)

The hack involves holding the empty cone when the machine dispenses ice cream.

If you weren’t aware, the machine gauges how much ice cream to dispense by detecting the weight of the cone.

Lifting the cone would mean the machine cannot accurately gauge when to stop dispensing ice cream.

Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)

The video shows the ice cream cone overflowing and the excited faces of Soo’s family.

Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)

He captioned, “Double the yumzzz!”

Backlash

Soo’s actions received a lot of backlash.

Many netizens called him out for being a “cheapskate”.

Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)
Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)

The ice cream is only $0.50, after all.

Other netizens pointed out how inconsiderate this act is.

One netizen wrote, “By doing this, you make a mess of the ice cream machine, and the next person using it will get the sticky ice cream all over their cone. Plain selfish act!”

Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)

As the video shows, the overflowing ice cream dirtied the machine’s cone holder.

Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)

Netizens were disgusted and felt that the hack was unhygienic, pointing out the potential consequence of causing the next user to fall ill.

Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)
Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)

Some comments noted that using Soo’s hack could spoil the ice cream machine.

Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)

According to one netizen, tampering with the ice cream machine in other countries like Indonesia could lead to undesirable consequences.

Image: Instagram (@jazsoo)

Response

Soo told Mothership that he first saw the hack on social media and did not think much when trying it out, citing that it was just for fun.

However, he acknowledged that some of the criticisms were “valid concerns” and that the hack was a “cheap thrill” he wouldn’t do again. 

IKEA Ice Cream Hack

This hack isn’t a new phenomenon.

It has existed for a few years, with some videos dating back to 2020.

Over the years, users have tried the hack out and posted it onto TikTok.

This hack isn’t limited to Singapore.

People in other countries have tried the hack as well.

@matsalehmamat 🤫 don’t let them find out #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #ikea #toktokmalaysia #ikeahack #icecream #lifehack #hack ♬ original sound – Matsaleh Mamat – David

One such video, uploaded in 2021, demonstrates the sheer amount of ice cream the machine can dispense if you try this hack.

@jon_nathanThe machine didn’t stop 💦♬ Ice Cream (Feat. Maboos) – HyunA

In the video, the user shows the ice cream overflowing and dripping everywhere, including his hands.

Image: TikTok (@jon_nathan)
Image: TikTok (@jon_nathan)
Image: TikTok (@jon_nathan)

As of 21 May 2023, the video has garnered 117.1k views and more than 7700 likes. 

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The Danger of Trends

Unfortunately, there is a danger of such “hacks” trending.

Trends like the IKEA ice cream hack could inspire copycat behaviour, leading more people to behave inconsiderately.

The biggest concern comes when videos depicting the best hacks to commit crimes like shoplifting start trending on social media.

Regarding this issue, Auckland Clinical Psychology Professor Dr Ian Lambie noted that such trends could “desensitise” viewers and inspire copycat behaviour.

Such trends are particularly concerning due to the bandwagon effect.

After all, we are biologically inclined to follow trends.

If enough people participate in a trend, our brain will assume it is the correct action.

Perhaps it’s better to pay $0.50 and let the IKEA ice cream machine do its job