Sonic.EXE began as an internet creepypasta story in the early 2010s, imagining Sonic the Hedgehog as a demonic, possessed version of the character in a haunted game cartridge. The story spread through forums, YouTube readings, and fan-made horror games, where the sudden scream became a signature jumpscare moment. Clips of the shriek were soon shared on soundboards and in horror edits, especially around Halloween and creepypasta compilations. It remains popular because the contrast between the familiar cheerful hedgehog and the distorted scream still surprises viewers who expect a normal Sonic sound.