The Hype House, 2020
Intermediate, Single Delegate
It's the night of July 6th: A Hype House member has gone rogue, exposing private messages, cheating scandals, and secret brand deals. Within minutes, TikTok is in meltdown, and paparazzi is recording your live reaction with intrusive cameras. Your actions are no longer confined to close friends.
Instead, they are being dissected by fans, haters, and even your own family members, all eager to speak out. Will you protect your reputation, salvage your friendships, or fan the flames for clout? In this house, every post is political and cancel culture never sleeps.
Meet Your Dias
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Hello! I am Stefan Caiazzo, a second year chemical engineering major from Long Island, New York. My interests include speaking Italian, collecting various items, and practicing art. I also enjoy the world around me studying history and geography in my free time, while exploring as much as I can. Aside from politics, pop culture is a vital force in life that shapes society. It reflects aspects of the world that people often overlook. Specifically, the TikTok houses that started in late 2019 and evolved in 2020 were quite the spectacle for viewers. Chaos, drama, and even minor scandals ensued. Friends became enemies and houses even competed with each other. Ultimately, this phenomenon was observed by audiences experiencing turmoil in a global pandemic. I am fascinated by how media plays a crucial role of reflection and connection in a global age where people use platforms like Instagram and TikTok for news, advice, entertainment, and work—I myself included.
Stefan Caiazzo, Chair
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Hi everyone! My name is Dhriti Somas, and I’m a second-year student at UC Berkeley studying English and Public Policy. I’m originally from northern New Jersey and have been involved in debate (primarily policy debate) for the past nine years. While I love debating, I equally enjoy facilitating debate and watching creative, like-minded peers navigate challenges. That’s why I’m so excited to be your Chair for the Hype House committee at BearMUN!
As someone who spends far too much time online, I’ve come to appreciate how social media shapes the way we see the world. I’ve learned, for example, not to promote gummy vitamins if my friend has her own brand (thank you, James Charles), and definitely not to claim I’m a boxer before challenging Austin McBroom on live TV (and thank you, Bryce Hall). As an English major, I’ve also come to understand how words can be twisted to fit a specific narrative. That tension between intention and interpretation is especially present in influencer culture, where one post can spark global backlash. I’m excited to see how you all navigate those dynamics in committee!
Outside of MUN and debate, I love the visual arts—especially creating graphics, designing clothing, and knitting. I also enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, particularly with cupcakes.
I can’t wait to see what you bring to committee as we engage with the unpredictable and chaotic world of social media!
Best,
Dhriti Somas, Chair
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Hello!
My name is Katie Tran, and I am a 3rd year at UC Berkeley (Go Bears!) studying Psychology and Education. I am from sunny Southern California’s wonderful Orange County, and with that comes my generic love for shopping trips, boba runs, and cafe-hopping. My affinity for Model UN can only be surpassed by my trench-like deep love for matcha.
I’m thrilled to be serving as your Crisis Director for this thrilling and unpredictable adventure. Whether you’re a top-level influencer or pop star, this committee may face fast-paced twists, high-stakes decision-making, and a world in chaos. I am so ready to watch you, the delegate, think creatively, act boldly, and adapt quickly; nothing is off-limits when a crisis strikes!
See you!
Katie Tran, Crisis Director