A Rage Room is a room where people can express their inner anger by destroying objects such as glass. These are also known as smash rooms or rage rooms. Rage rooms like this have been started in many places in the world. Recently, this type of Rage Room has been started in Bengaluru as well. Due to changing lifestyles and many problems, people who come to these rooms are increasing. Statistics show that most of the customers are women.
But health experts say smash rooms are not effective or appropriate for people with anger management issues. Rage rooms are designed as living rooms with furniture such as televisions and desks, or as kitchens lined with chilled glasses and plates. There are also establishments that allow customers to bring their own items and dispose of them.
Rage rooms were first started in Japan before 2008. Later this idea spread to many countries like Serbia, United Kingdom and Argentina. Today hundreds of rage rooms operate in cities across the United States. A 2017 study found that rage rooms are ineffective at managing anger and, in some cases, may even make customers angrier. Therapy is very beneficial everywhere, but psychologists say that destroying things is only a temporary solution.
Some argue that Rage Rooms are better for reducing stress than actual anger or uncontrollable anger. It was found that the physical activity that occurs when breaking things in such rooms is more likely to be the reason for the reduction in stress. In February 2021, Italian artist Colin di Tristessa suggested setting up rage rooms and crying rooms in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to relieve staff stress.
Rage rooms ensure that customers are admitted to the rooms with safety precautions, as injuries can occur from slips and falls from falling objects while destroying objects. Consumers are instructed to wear masks, gloves etc. for eye protection and to sign documents in this regard. The downside is that breaking electronic devices can cause environmental damage and release harmful chemicals inside the device into the room.
There is also the possibility of exposure to toxins such as mercury in old electrical appliances from the room to customers and workers who clean the rage rooms. Some high-risk items are fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, and CRT screens in older TVs. Rage rooms are usually for 18-year-olds. Only persons above 18 years of age can enter the rooms if using the room alone and above 13 years of age if accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women, intoxicated people, the injured and the sick are usually avoided.