One of the most common activities people, especially youth, participate in these days is an online viral challenge – specifically, an activity that social media users find entertaining, daring or outrageous. In the past, people have seen such challenges as the ice water challenge, which served the purpose of raising awareness for ALS, and the Tide Pod and cinnamon challenges, which seemed to have no purpose other than being funny to those who participated or watched – although both challenges were responsible for numerous injuries. Illinois residents may want to be cautious, however, as some of the dangerous actions associated with viral challenges can harm themselves or others.
One such example occurred in Utah recently, after a 17-year-old girl crashed her car into another vehicle while driving blindfolded as part of the “Bird Box” challenge. According to CBS News, this challenge involves people putting on blindfolds and walking around to imitate scenes from the popular Netflix movie Bird Box, while others film or watch their antics. Except for a few instances in which participants fell or ran into walls, this challenge seems mostly silly and harmless – unless a motor vehicle is involved.
Fortunately, the teenage driver, her 16-year-old passenger and the other driver were not injured in the stunt, but both vehicles sustained considerable damage. Netflix representatives issued a statement urging people not to take part in this activity.
When rising to a viral challenge, it stands to reason that common sense should prevail. However, common sense is often lacking with people who want attention on social media. Those who are injured as a result of someone else’s decisions may wish to pursue legal action.