Social media has produced countless viral trends over the years, but not all of them have been harmless fun. While some online challenges encouraged creativity and community participation, others pushed participants towards risky and sometimes life-threatening behaviour in pursuit of views and likes.
Several of these challenges became so controversial that platforms, health authorities and law enforcement agencies stepped in with warnings, restrictions or outright bans.
Challenges that raised serious safety concerns
One of the most infamous examples was the Tide Pod Challenge, where participants filmed themselves eating laundry detergent pods. The trend resulted in poisonings and prompted widespread awareness campaigns.
Another dangerous trend, the Blackout Challenge, encouraged people to intentionally restrict their breathing until they lost consciousness. The challenge was linked to multiple deaths and led social media platforms to issue warnings and remove related content.
The Benadryl Challenge similarly alarmed health experts after participants consumed excessive amounts of antihistamine medication in an attempt to experience hallucinations. Reports of hospitalisations and fatalities followed.
Stunts that caused injuries
The Milk Crate Challenge became popular for its dramatic falls, with participants attempting to climb unstable stacks of plastic crates. The trend led to numerous injuries and was heavily discouraged online.
The Kiki Challenge involved people stepping out of moving vehicles to dance alongside them. Authorities in several countries warned against the practice after accidents and injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, the Skull Breaker Challenge, disguised as a prank, caused head, neck and spinal injuries when participants unexpectedly tripped a person during a jump.
Property damage and public safety concerns
Other trends, including the Kool-Aid Man Challenge and Orbeez Challenge, sparked concerns over vandalism, public nuisance and injuries. Some participants damaged property, while others used toy guns to fire gel beads at strangers.
The Fire Challenge and NyQuil Chicken Challenge also drew criticism from safety experts due to the risk of severe burns, toxic fumes and accidental poisoning.
A reminder about online trends
Experts continue to urge social media users, particularly young people, to think critically before participating in viral challenges. What may appear entertaining online can sometimes carry serious real-world consequences.