Have you heard of the Blackout Challenge? It is a death game challenge on TikTok, a short video-sharing platform, challenging participants to strangle themselves. By blocking oxygen from getting to the brain, participants can experience hallucinations. These activities are filmed and then shared through TikTok.
Last year, five children died while following this challenge in the USA and Italy. Their parents filed a claim for damages and a court complaint against TikTok. When you search for dangerous challenges on TikTok, you can see the phrase “Your safety is important.” However, is it only TikTok’s responsibility for safety? Recently, short videos have been popular on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Dancing, singing, make-up demonstrations, eating shows (Mukbang), sponsorship through live broadcasting, challenges, etc. Many videos are produced, but only a few gain popularity. People who are already popular want to be more famous. For this reason, videos need more provocative content, including dangerous challenges like the Blackout Challenge.
‘Accessibility’ is the biggest strength and weakness of SNS. Anyone, anytime, anywhere, can connect with others. At the same time, everyone can monitor us anytime, anywhere. Videos, live broadcasting, and challenges on TikTok or Instagram strengthen accessibility because one video is more interesting, lively, and stimulating than dozens of photos. Besides, people’s imaginations are endless and unpredictable. So, we do not know what videos and challenges will be born and trending in the future.
Adults can filter harmful content themselves, but children need guidance. However, it is primarily adults who make provocative videos or challenges. Therefore, it is necessary to sanction dangerous and highly imitative videos actively. Parents also should educate children about the proper use of media.
When bad situations happen, we usually question the need for SNS. Why do we use SNS? Why do we use video platforms? We must answer these questions to use media correctly. Because if we do not have a purpose, we are highly likely to be exposed to danger while wandering on social media. Using SNS without a proper reason is like jumping out of an airplane without a parachute. We must make a healthy SNS culture that can be enjoyed safely.
저작권자 © 영남대학교 언론출판문화원 무단전재 및 재배포 금지
