The phrase describes the pursuit of acquiring merchandise from automated dispensing machines without payment, often documented and shared on a specific social media platform. This typically involves exploiting mechanical or software vulnerabilities, or employing deceptive tactics. Examples range from manipulating selection buttons to physically rocking the machine.
Understanding this phenomenon is important because it sheds light on security flaws in vending machines, the ethical considerations of exploiting such flaws, and the potential legal ramifications involved. The spread of these techniques via social media amplifies the risk of widespread misuse and encourages copycat behavior, necessitating vigilance from vending machine operators and manufacturers. The appeal likely stems from the perceived thrill of obtaining something for nothing and the desire for online attention.
