internet checkpoint

English

Etymology

Coined in reference to the video game sense of the word checkpoint.

Noun

internet checkpoint (plural internet checkpoints)

1. (Internet slang) An often nostalgic YouTube video featuring calming music or visuals that became a virtual gathering spot where users pause their online activity to share personal life updates, struggles, and reflections in the comments, creating a wholesome, anonymous diary for self-reflection and connecting with others; considered a "safe space" or metaphorical system restore point.

   Coordinate term: internet pitstop

Further reading

• 2025 July 28. Srirachanikorn, Richy. "Internet pitstops: YouTube as a place for reimagining social time with nostalgia" (https://doi.org/10.1177/0961463X251358588). Volume 34, Issue 4.