Over the years, the internet has become a place for hilarious and entertaining trends and challenges like the Harlem Shake, Running Man Challenge, and the Ice Bucket Challenge, among others. However, some online challenges take it too far, blurring the lines of fun and danger. Here are some of the most problematic internet trends. How many have you seen on your timeline?
Coronavirus challenge
Not even the height of COVID-19 stopped people from doing wild and ridiculous things like the Coronavirus challenge. It was started by an internet influencer licking what seems to be a toilet seat. Soon, others followed, with some licking doors and subway handles. Gross!
Blackout challenge
The blackout challenge was so bad and problematic that it caused casualties. This dangerous online challenge dared people to hold their breath until they pass out due to a lack of air. Low oxygen can result in brain damage or death. TikTok has also promised to remove content related to the blackout challenge for the safety of its users.
Back cracking challenge
Just as its name says, this challenge is where people crack their backs to hear a string of cracks. Its methods are somewhat similar to what professional chiropractors use, but this challenge still carries risks of sustaining spine injuries. If you want that ~*satisfying*~ joint cracks, go and see a professional.
Salt and ice challenge
This challenge requires people to pour salt on their arms or wrists and top it with ice. It sounds harmless but can cause you pain, scars, or a trip to the hospital. Why? Because the mixture of salt, water, ice, and your body temperature results in a full-thickness burn within a few minutes. Experts say it’s a state where the skin becomes leathery and hard, damaging nerve endings in the process. So yes, this challenge isn’t worth all the hassle and injuries you’re gonna get.
Duct tape challenge
The duct tape challenge is still making rounds on the internet to this day. People tape their legs or feet using duct tape and try to wiggle out of it. Some go as far as taping themselves to a chair or wall. It may look hilarious, but one wrong move, and you might end up accidentally injuring yourself. One teenager suffered an aneurysm, as well as severe face and head injuries as a result of the challenge.
Milk crate challenge
Also known as the crate challenge, this trend involves creating a pyramid out of milk crates and going up and down without falling. Sounds fun, right? But not until you fall and end up breaking a bone or two.
Tide pod challenge
At one point, some people thought that eating laundry pods was a great way to gain clout on social media. Experts say ingesting laundry packets can cause severe chemical burns to your mouth, esophagus, or respiratory tract. Yikes! Detergents are for laundry, people — not a snack.
Benadryl challenge
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine used for seasonal allergies. The goal of the Benadryl challenge is simple yet deadly — take excessive doses of the antihistamine to have hallucinations or get high. Large doses of Benadryl may cause urinary retention, nausea, and vomiting, among others. There are also reported deaths of people who did this online challenge. If this info isn’t enough to consider this trend dangerous, we don’t know what will.
What are your thoughts on these internet challenges?
