There is always something funny trending on the internet. Equally, it is likely that there is something bizarre, weird and downright dangerous trending on the internet. The latest is the Tide Pod Challenge. What is this, you ask? Well here is what you wanted to know about this recent ‘challenge’ and a look back at other ‘challenges’ such as Planking, Ice Bucket Challenge, The Harlem Shake, Mannequin Challenge, Invisible Box Challenge, Blue whale challenge and so on.
A laundry pod is something most Indians would be unfamiliar with: it is a concentrated measure of detergent and softener enclosed in dissolvable plastic. This challenge requires teens to put these poisonous laundry detergent pods into their mouths. Why? Presumably for likes, clicks and the resultant fame!
Yes, it is. However, there is no accounting for what peer pressure and the need to impress others can lead adolescents to do. Since the product is not commonly used in India, it is unlikely that it will have anything like the sort of impact it may have abroad.
While some were sarcastically telling people to take the challenge because we need fewer idiots in the world, others were expressing concern that the challenge resulted in an uptick in accidental poisonings. And then this tweet actually had a useful suggestion!
Some years ago, this became an internet fad. It required the person to lie face down in some incongruous, unusual location: on a balcony, in a tree, the street. And then, of course, put your video or picture on the net. This was just a stupid, random thing to do.
Students of a Jacksonville high school started the fad where participants remain frozen – like mannequins and there is a song playing in the background. It became such a fad that even celebs started getting involved.
In 2013, this became an internet meme when a coup did a comedy sketch and added a short excerpt from the Harlem Shake song. The meme became one where people danced in a convulsive, jerky, strange manner.
Also known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, this meant to create awareness around the motor neuron disease known as ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The person had to dump icy, water on themselves and then nominate others to do the same.
You have to imagine that there is box before you; about a one foot high. You then have to step over it. Why? Don’t ask me! I don’t dream up these ridiculous, pointless methods of time wastage - memes that, if they are not completely insane are actually rather dangerous.
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