The hidden motives driving risky internet trends
Partaking in Peril: The Psychological and Social Push Behind Viral Dangers
Every now and then, headlines scream about deadly online challenges, leaving us questioning the sanity of users and blaming social media. But Media Psychologist Benjamin P. Lange believes there's more to the story.
Just a few weeks ago, a disturbing incident occurred in Auckland where a deadly "Run-it-straight" challenge left one person dead. Two young men, devoid of protection, collided without regard to the consequences. "For those considering participating in games or events like this, we can't stress enough the enormous safety and injury risks," warns Ross Grantham of the New Zealand police following the incident.
This unfortunate event is merely one example of many new dares fueled by social media that can have devastating outcomes. From the Blackout Challenge, where youngsters choke themselves to the point of fainting (claimed the lives of 15 to 20 worldwide, mainly children aged 8 to 14), to the Cinnamon Challenge, swallowing a spoonful of cinnamon powder without water, and the Hot Chip Challenge, consuming spicy treats, these viral crazes have led to tragedies. Car surfing, dangerously balancing on moving vehicles, has resulted in numerous fatalities.
The Need for Recognition and Status
Though media primarily focuses on young children's experiences with such challenges, numerous studies reveal that young men are especially tempted by the allure of daring stunts: "These tend to be young men," says media psychologist Benjamin P. Lange of IU International University, speaking to ntv.de. "The rivalry among young men is intense, and the presence of a rival triggers a competitive aggression. The challenge here is the same - it's about facing each other and being the last one standing." Ultimately, it's all about status, attractiveness, and evolutionary advantages.
The Viral Spread of Peer Pressure
Though often criticized, social media is far from the root of the problem, according to Lange. "There are cultures devoid of our media offerings, yet young men still engage in dangerous activities, such as bungee jumping or extreme sports. Social media has only made the dares more viral and contagious."
Though platforms may block dangerous search terms or delete corresponding videos, they often continue to thrive. According to Lange, the reality is much less noble: "They earn from traffic, clicks, viewer numbers, likes, and subscribers. These attract the audience. If someone from TikTok or Instagram were to admit: 'We don't want to filter that out because we gain traffic with it,' I would say: 'Thank you for your honesty.'"
A Ban - Is It the Solution?
A ban on social media might seem like an attractive solution, but according to Lange, it's not the answer: "A ban would only make it more appealing. Some boys will pay even more attention: 'That's no longer on TikTok, but I've found it elsewhere.'" Instead, he suggests channeling young men's natural urge to compete into regulated, positive outlets, such as sanctioned combat sports.
Sources:- ntv.de- Various Research Studies and Statistical Data
- Social Media
- Internet Use
- Psychology
- Media
Additional Insights:
- Social media platforms are often under scrutiny for their role in facilitating dangerous online challenges. However, researchers suggest that these challenges predate the digital age and are inherent to human behavior.
- Dangerous online challenges can also vary in severity, with some posing a low risk of harm but still leading to distress and harmful outcomes for young people.
- Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of addressing underlying issues that may contribute to a young person's susceptibility to engaging in risky behaviors, such as feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and a need for social acceptance.
- The role of peer pressure in driving dangerous online behaviors cannot be underestimated, with research showing that young people are more likely to engage in risky behaviors if their peers also do so. This highlights the need for effective peer-to-peer interventions to counteract negative influences and promote healthy behaviors.
- Education and increased digital literacy are key to helping young people navigate online risks, including understanding the potential dangers associated with viral challenges and developing critical thinking skills. It is also essential to encourage open and honest conversations between parents, educators, and young people about online safety and responsible internet use.
The community policy and employment policy of social media platforms should address the spread of dangerous online challenges, recognizing their inherent appeal to young men due to the allure of status and competition. Employment policies within the entertainment industry, particularly those related to content moderation, should prioritize user safety and tackle the monetization of dangerous content.
