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Social Media Challenges

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Here is the truth about social media challenges:

These challenges have become a significant part of Internet meme culture, with many of them gaining widespread attention and popularity through memes. Notable examples of such challenges include the ALS Ice Bucket challenge, which gained viral status in mid-2014, and the TrashTag Challenge, which became popular in 2019.[2][3][4]

"The allure of internet challenges can be attributed, in part, to individuals' desire for attention and social validation, particularly among teenagers."


The concept of Internet challenges shares similarities with the classic dare games played by children, 
Dice Game

wherein participants dare each other to undertake actions that are typically unconventional or out of the ordinary. While some challenges have emerged solely within the digital realm, there are instances where challenges or tasks predate the Internet and have resurfaced in a modified form online. The allure of internet challenges can be attributed, in part, to individuals' desire for attention and social validation, particularly among teenagers. Several of these challenges carry inherent risks and can be potentially dangerous.[1]

Controversy has surrounded Internet challenges, primarily due to the harmful nature of certain tasks.

Instances like the Cinnamon challenge[5] or the Tide Pod challenge[6] serve as striking examples, where participants have suffered severe injuries[7] or even lost their lives.[8] In response to such dangers, platforms like YouTube have disallowed the promotion of these challenges,[9] leading many individuals to turn to alternative platforms like TikTok, where the creation and dissemination of such challenges are not subjected to strict moderation.

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Moreover, some challenges have drawn criticism for their rude or disrespectful nature. The Gallon Smashing Internet challenge, for instance, gained notoriety for encouraging participants to purposefully spill or smash gallon containers of liquid in public places, resulting in inconvenience and potential harm to others.

  1. ^ "Social media challenge approaching social moral concern – PCC Courier". pcccourier.com. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015.

  2. ^ Jump up to:a b "'Dr. Food Science' mixes bananas and Sprite, conducts other questionable food experiments". Joplin Globe.

  3. ^ "Dangerous 'Benadryl Challenge' on Tik Tok may be to blame for the death of Oklahoma teen". KFOR.com Oklahoma City. 2020-08-28. Retrieved 2023-02-21.

  4. ^ Andriani, Ria (7 January 2019). "Bird Box Challenge: why blindfolding yourself and walking into walls is even more stupid than it sounds". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 January 2019.

  5. ^ Philips, Kristine (13 January 2019). "Driving blindfolded for the 'Bird Box challenge?' Just don't, officials say". The Washington Post. Retrieved 15 January 2019.

  6. ^ "TikTok's Viral Challenges Keep Luring Young Kids to Their Deaths". Bloomberg.com. 2022-11-30. Retrieved 2023-02-21.

  7. ^ Clark, Mitchell (2022-07-08). "The TikTok 'blackout challenge' has now allegedly killed seven kids". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-02-21.

  8. ^ Express News Service (2014-09-11). "Book Bucket Challenge Popular on Social media". The Indian Express.

  9. ^ "Book Bucket, the latest fad among city slickers". The Times of India. 2014-09-06.

  10. ^ Kuperinsky, Amy (2019-07-01). "What is the Bottle Cap Challenge? Jason Statham, Conor McGregor, John Mayer and more try Instagram trend". nj.com. Retrieved 2019-07-16.

Please note:
Social Media First Aid is not intended to replace professional mental health services or emergency interventions but rather acts as an immediate response to offer support, empathy, and guidance during crisis situations on social media. It aims to bridge the gap between the moment of distress and the availability of formal help, ensuring individuals feel heard and understood while encouraging them to seek appropriate assistance.

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