Psychology Behind Dangerous Social Media Challenges

These viral social media challenges may seem like a game, but they actually represent individuals putting their safety at risk for likes, clicks, and views. While social media platforms do the best they can to avoid responsibility, we can’t help but wonder how can they let this happen?!

Let’s take a look at the psychology behind these challenges to raise awareness about this widespread problem.

TRIGGER WARNING & DISCLAIMER: This video contains discussion of a few dangerous and harmful social media challenges. We do NOT wish to encourage anyone from participating in those challenges. So, please, don’t try this at home!

Writer: Stela Košić
Script Editor: Caitlin McColl and Brie Villaneuva
Assigned thumbnail artist: Rose Demskov
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Thumbnail Artist: Rose Demskov
Thumbnail Manager: Michal Mitchell
Voice Over: Amanda Silvera
Animator: SunBiscuit
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

Resources:
Ahmed, A., & Ahmed, A. (2021, November 19). TikTok researches on the riskier challenges and what drives the young population to participate in them. Digital Information World. www.digitalinformationworld.com/2021/11/tiktok-researches-on-riskier-challenges.html?m=1

Bloemen, N., & de Coninck, D. (2020). Social Media and Fear of Missing Out in Adolescents: The Role of Family Characteristics. Social Media + Society, 6(4), 205630512096551. doi.org/10.1177/2056305120965517

Eleuteri, S., Saladino, V., & Verrastro, V. (2017). Identity, relationships, sexuality, and risky behaviors of adolescents in the context of social media. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 32(3–4), 354–365. doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2017.1397953

Falgoust, G., Winterlind, E., Moon, P., Parker, A., Zinzow, H., & Chalil Madathil, K. (2022). Applying the uses and gratifications theory to identify motivational factors behind young adult’s participation in viral social media challenges on TikTok. Human Factors in Healthcare, 2, 100014. doi.org/10.1016/j.hfh.2022.100014

Sherman, L. E., Payton, A. A., Hernandez, L. M., Greenfield, P. M., & Dapretto, M. (2016). The Power of the Like in Adolescence. Psychological Science, 27(7), 1027–1035. doi.org/10.1177/0956797616645673

Sweet, J. (2021, September 7). Why People Do the Milk Crate Challenge and Other Risky Stunts. Verywell Mind. www.verywellmind.com/why-do-people-participate-in-dangerous-viral-challenges-5200238