Cryptids of The Internet

Cryptozoology

Cryptids of The Internet

In the digital age, cryptids have found a new home online, captivating imaginations and sparking curiosity. This article explores some of the most intriguing cryptids that have emerged or gained popularity through the…

March 10, 2025 • 3 min read • Art Grindstone

Art Grindstone is the hard-nosed storyteller behind Unexplained.co, a veteran investigator whose life’s work sits at the crossroads of the paranormal, fringe science, and the shadows most people try not to look into. With decades spent chasing impossible stories — black-budget psychic programs, vanished Cold War experiments, desert rituals that sparked UFO waves, and the strange phenomena buried in America’s forgotten backroads — Art brings a rare combination of skepticism, awe, and journalistic precision. He’s not here to debunk. He’s not here to blindly believe. He follows the evidence wherever it leads — even when it leads someplace deeply uncomfortable. Known for his immersive, cinematic style and his ability to turn obscure research into gripping narrative, Art has built a devoted following across podcasts, long-form features, documentaries, and serialized investigations. His interviews are direct. His analysis is unflinching. His voice has become a staple in the modern paranormal renaissance — the guy people turn to when a story is too strange, too complex, or too dangerous for anyone else to touch. Off-mic, Art works with a distributed network of researchers, archivists, and field operatives who help surface the stories mainstream media ignores. On-mic, he transforms their findings into meticulous, high-impact reporting that refuses to insult the intelligence of true believers. His philosophy is simple: Take the phenomenon seriously. Treat the audience with respect. Tell the story as if the world depends on it — because sometimes it does. When Art Grindstone digs into a case, he isn’t just chasing a mystery. He’s tracing the fault lines of reality itself.

In This Report(6)

In the digital age, cryptids have found a new home online, captivating imaginations and sparking curiosity. This article explores some of the most intriguing cryptids that have emerged or gained popularity through the internet, including the eerie mannequin people, the mysterious flat man, and the enigmatic white man.

Key Takeaways

Mannequin People: Human-like figures lacking facial features, often reported in remote areas.
Flat Man: A shadowy silhouette that absorbs light and life, primarily seen in rural Russia.
White Man: A shapeshifting entity associated with bad luck and mysterious disappearances.
Giant Headless Glowing Living Firehoses: Strange underwater creatures reported by oil rig workers.

Mannequin People: The Eerie Observations

Mannequin people are described as almost human but lack distinct facial features. They resemble mannequins, leading to unsettling encounters. Witnesses report seeing these figures from a distance, appearing indistinguishable from real humans. However, upon closer inspection, their faces are blank, and their movements are stiff and awkward.

Common Sightings: Often spotted in cars or remote areas, these figures seem to hide in plain sight.
Behavior: They do not react to stimuli, such as shouting or throwing objects, and often stare blankly at the sky.
Unexplained Presence: Many reports indicate that these figures vanish without a trace, leaving no footprints or disturbances in their surroundings.

The Flat Man: A Shadowy Entity

The flat man is described as a void on the ground, resembling a human silhouette. This cryptid primarily appears in rural areas, particularly in Russia, and is said to absorb light and living beings, much like a black hole.

Advertisement

Local Awareness: Residents are aware of the flat man’s existence and the dangers it poses, often associating it with the disappearance of ancient tribes.
Cautionary Tales: Discussions about the flat man are often met with hostility, indicating a deep-rooted fear among locals.

The White Man: A Shape-Shifting Legend

The white man is a cryptid that has haunted the stories of many, including the father of a user on an internet forum. This creature is described as a featureless, humanoid figure capable of changing shape but not color.

Advertisement