Abbreviation for Non-Player Character, referring to characters in video games controlled by artificial intelligence rather than players. Recently used metaphorically to describe people perceived as lacking independent thought.
Gaming acronym from the 1970s tabletop role-playing games, combining 'non-player' (not controlled by a human) and 'character' (fictional persona). The metaphorical usage emerged from internet culture in the 2010s.
The term NPC has evolved from a neutral gaming term to internet slang for people who seem to follow scripts rather than think independently. This linguistic evolution reflects growing concerns about authenticity and individual agency in our increasingly digital world.
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