TikTok has grown immensely, and as a result, more and more users worldwide are participating in the viral challenges that emerge from TikTok to gain views, likes, and followers. While many challenges are fun and harmless, there have been a number of disturbing challenges that put the health and life of TikTokers at risk. Persons have even lost their lives on camera as they participate in risky activities that were invented by daredevils who live on the edge. Here is a rundown of six of these shocking challenges that individuals were carelessly participating in and tips on how to protect yourself from the influence of the internet.
The “Water Chugging” Challenge
The “Water Chugging” challenge might appear innocent, but there are some risks when chugging down large amounts of water as quickly as possible. One of the risks includes water intoxication, which dilutes sodium levels in the blood and causes cells to swell. Many people would not imagine that drinking too much water could have health risks, but it could actually lead to seizures, coma, and even death in extreme cases. Several people were reportedly hospitalised from this challenge. A similar challenge called 75 Hard, which pushes users to drink a gallon of water a day, left a TikToker hospitalised after drinking excessive water.
“Sleeping Pill” Challenge
An insane challenge on our list of dangerous TikTok challenges that has caused alarm is the “Sleeping Pill“ challenge, which encourages TikTok users to take excessive doses of over-the-counter sleeping medications to experience hallucinations or record themselves acting under the influence. There are serious health consequences associated with taking these pills in high doses, which include respiratory depression, confusion, convulsions, or even heart failure. Additionally, persons can also suffer from an overdose, hallucinations, and respiratory issues from participating in this challenge.
The “Blackout” Challenge
Another dangerous challenge on TikTok is the “Blackout” Challenge, which involves users trying to make themselves pass out by applying pressure to their necks or holding their breath until they lose consciousness. Such an act can lead to severe brain damage, and it can even have fatal consequences due to oxygen deprivation. Several young people have allegedly lost their lives attempting this challenge.
“Dry Scooping” Challenge
The “Dry Scooping” Challenge is another risky challenge on TikTok that has caused an alarm. This challenge involves swallowing a scoop of dry protein powder without water. According to a report, this challenge became popular among fitness enthusiasts on TikTok, and the repetitions of consuming protein powder without water can lead to choking, difficulty breathing, and intense coughing. There is also the risk that the high caffeine content in some pre-workout powders has led to heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, and, in some cases, cardiac arrest.
The “Hot Coil” Challenge
The “Hot Coil” Challenge is one of the most insane TikTok challenges, as it involves participants pressing their skin against a hot stovetop coil for as long as they can endure. The obvious dangers of self-inflicting burns on oneself are receiving severe burns, infection, and permanent scarring. Regardless of how horrible and painful this challenge is, TikTokers have recorded themselves pressing their hands against the hot stovetop.
The “Benadryl” Challenge
The “Benadryl” Challenge is a trend from previous years that involves taking high doses of Benadryl to induce hallucinations. Aside from the obvious danger of overdosing, large doses of Benadryl can also cause rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, seizures, and, in extreme cases, death. According to a report, emergency rooms have reported cases of severe overdoses from participants in this challenge.
TikTok challenges have spread like wildfire online simply because they are easy to share, imitate, and encourage participants to seek validation through likes, comments, and views. However, the desire to gain internet popularity can lead to life-threatening consequences. To protect yourself from the influence of the internet, it is important to educate yourself about the potential dangers before participating in challenges.
It is also important to set boundaries around social media use to help reduce the likelihood of participating in dangerous challenges. Limiting screen time or setting privacy features can help create a safer environment. Additionally, it is also important to report harmful content when you come across dangerous and unsafe challenges on TikTok and encourage positive challenges.
