5 most controversial TikTok trends of all time
Over the years, TikTok has risen in popularity to reach an audience of more than a billion people and become a modern phenomenon where trends keep on changing, with some of them being the most controversial of all times. However, TikTok isn’t all about fun and entertainment. For all the crazes that come and go, there are plenty of controversial trends to look out for on the hugely popular platform.
A part of the brain that is responsible for analyzing, self-control, and awareness is not fully developed in teenagers, that’s why teens and adolescents during puberty are often easily influenced by external factors. Here are some of the dangerous TikTok trends, you should stay away from!
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‘Dragon’s breath’ liquid nitrogen trend
The most recent dangerous trend to emerge on the app is the popularity of ‘Dragon’s breath’, which has seen children hurt as a result of ingesting liquid nitrogen. The snack basically consists of a bowl of sweets covered in liquid nitrogen and if eaten before it’s burned off, it can be very dangerous.
The Benadryl challenge
Another tragic trend emerged in 2020, when a 15-year-old girl reportedly died after taking part in the “Benadryl challenge” in the US, according to Forbes.
It saw participants take an excessive amount of Benadryl, which is usually taken as an anti-allergy medication, in a bid to experience hallucinogenic qualities.
FDA warns not to take more of the allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl) than recommended. Teens are participating in dangerous “Benadryl Challenge” on TikTok, which can lead to serious problems and death: https://t.co/4RBtFmyNz6 pic.twitter.com/3ABINMQglJ
— FDA Drug Information (@FDA_Drug_Info) September 24, 2020
The Blackout Challenge
A viral challenge blamed for several deaths, the Blackout Challenge is one of the most harmful to ever emerge online. The trend grew in popularity in 2022 and proved tragic after children filmed themselves holding their breath until they fell unconscious due to a lack of oxygen. Several fatalities have been attributed to it, and some parents have sued TikTok over allegations that the platform's algorithm favors videos of other users performing the challenge.
The NyQuil Chicken trend
Currently, it is one of the riskiest trends on TikTok. The task is drinking some NyQuil and then devouring a chicken wing. Chicken and wine together can be quite harmful, despite their seeming safety. Both the chicken wing and the risk of choking can increase due to the alcohol in NyQuil.
The FDA has issued a warning about another dangerous social media trend involving cough medicine and chicken. A recent video challenge encourages young people to cook chicken in NyQuil pic.twitter.com/ZHHJkYAcis
— No Jumper (@nojumper) September 20, 2022
Penny challenge
The challenge involves sliding a penny behind a partially plugged phone charger. While this trend looks harmless, a coin can crash into metal prongs, causing sparks, damage to electrical systems, and in some cases, fires.
Tacoma Schools Warn Parents About TikTok 'Penny Challenge' https://t.co/KLsVobCPCy pic.twitter.com/udRu5LU5ow
— Mercer Island Patch (@MercerIsePatch) January 27, 2020
