The surgeon general even released an 80-page report on the topic in 2023, declaring that "lacking social connection is as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day." Instagram user Christi Sikes spotted a Coca-Cola vending machine in her local Walmart that was yearning for some love. The machine had an image of a heart encasing a Coke bottle, with the words "Hug Me" printed boldly underneath. It turns out the needy Coke vending machines have actually been around for quite some time. The machine made an appearance at the University of Georgia in 2017, and at Georgia Southern University in 2019.

Source: The Star January 29, 2026 23:03 UTC