NPC stands for "Non-Player Character". The term originates from video games and refers to characters that are controlled by the games artificial intelligence (AI) rather than by actual players. NPCs can be allies, bystanders, or competitors to the player characters (PCs) . They populate the fictional world of the game and can fill any role not occupied by a player character. NPCs can also be traders that trade currency for things such as equipment or gear. In social media, "NPC" is often used as a metaphor or meme to describe someone who blindly follows popular opinion without critical thinking. It implies that the person in question conforms to societal or political ideologies without questioning or expressing unique viewpoints. The term "NPC" is typically used in online discussions, debates, or political discourse as a way to criticize or dismiss someones arguments or perspectives. It suggests that the person is merely regurgitating scripted responses or adhering to a predetermined set of beliefs without engaging in independent reasoning or original thought.