Remember fidget spinners? Those whirling dervishes of distraction that briefly united children and annoyed teachers everywhere? Fast forward to 2025, and we've evolved from spinners to squishers, specifically the “NeeDoh” — a stress toy that's become the must-have accessory for anxious adults and fidgety students alike. In the ever-evolving landscape of stress management, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged, leaving many to ponder: Is this a genuine aid for anxiety, or just another trend fueled by our insatiable consumerism? The rise in popularity of stress toys, particularly the evolution of the NeeDoh, has sparked a debate that stretches from college classrooms to corporate boardrooms.

NeeDoh’s newfound popularity has spawned a plethora of variations of the toy that have driven people to start collections, from jellyfish to ice cream cones, cats to dogs. Grown adults and college students have been spotted clamoring for these items, even causing sell-outs at the local Ithaca Target, courtesy of the enthusiastic Cornellians. There's a certain logic to the addiction — keeping your hands busy can indeed calm the mind. However, despite some professors embracing this trend, others find it distracting and immature. There are horror stories abound with stress balls filled with bizarre substances like shaving foam or sticky gel exploding mid-lecture, causing chaos and disruption.

Some argue........

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