During quarantine, you may have heard the term “randonauts” or “randonauting,” which is the latest fad to be sweeping the younger generations. So what is it exactly?
Well, according to Wired, randonauting “is using a random number generator to produce specific coordinates within a set radius of your current location that you can travel to as a way of exploring the world around you.” Randonauts are what you call the people who go randonauting.
Those interested in randonauting are encouraged to download an app called Randonautica, where they can gather coordinates to places where they can encounter certain experiences. According to those who Randonaut, before setting out to find the coordinates, people are supposed to manifest their thoughts, intentions, etc. As a result, many people have claimed to see things that can’t be explained.
Here are some of the experiences people have had:
(Warning: The below videos have language in them that some may find offensive.)
And one of the biggest stories to come out of randonauting is when a group of teens from Seattle Washington was sent to a point at the beach where they stumbled across a suitcase that reeked when they opened it. After calling the police, it was revealed that inside the suitcase was a dead body.
In a press release, Seattle Police Department reported that “Seattle Police homicide detectives, working closely with the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, have identified the remains of two individuals found inside bags last week at Duwamish Head in West Seattle. Detectives have identified a 27-year-old male and a 36-year-old female. Detectives do not believe this case is connected to any other investigations in the Puget Sound area. This remains an active homicide investigation. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000.”
So while randonauting can be a good way to get out of the house and get some exercise, here are a few things you should tell your kids before they download the app:
Never randonaut alone.
Only randonaut during the day.
If the coordinates take you to a remote area make sure there is still cell phone reception before going any future.
Make sure you share your location with a trusted adult while randonauting so that you can be located should anything happen.
Listening to your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, leave the premise immediately.
If you come across a strange person while traveling to the coordinates the app gave you, do not interact and instead leave immediately.
If you would like to read more about the experiences people had while randonauting, there is an entire subreddit dedicated to just that. And just another reminder to be safe and vigilant while actively using the app, you just never know what you may find.
Sara Vallone has been a writer and editor for the last four and a half years. A graduate of Ohio University, she enjoys celebrity news, sports, and articles that enhance people’s lives.
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