In the United Kingdom, the fate of little Archie Battersbee worries an entire country. This 12-year-old boy participated in the Blackout Challenge on April 7. Found lifeless after this challenge that made the TikTok social network famous, he has been in a coma ever since. The British court has ruled in favor of suspending the treatment. Brain-dead, Archie could be added to the list of victims of this extremely dangerous challenge.
Scourge of playgrounds
The Blackout Challenge is all about holding your breath for as long as possible. Appeared as one more challenge on TikTok, it turned out to be much more dangerous than the usual social media dances. At least seven children under the age of 15 are said to have died after trying to reach the blackout.
A true scourge of playgrounds, this revival of the headscarf game is now spreading online. The first serious incidents date back to 2021. Two girls aged 8 and 9 died after the blackout challenge last year. Legally sued by the families, the application is implicated for having recommended this type of content to an audience that is too young.
An impact on mental health
TikTok is now taking action: Blackout Challenge videos appear to be untraceable on the Chinese platform. A warning is also displayed in the app during confidential searches. However, TikTok remains in the sights of the US authorities. At the center of criticism, the algorithm of the social network. a survey of Wall Street Journal showed how it manages to lock users around supposed interests.
In a report published in November 2021, TikTok acknowledges that the mental health of one in five children is affected by exposure to content on the platform, more particularly in the context of dangerous challenges. This reproach regularly arises against social networks, regularly accused of being a source of addiction among the youngest. Thus, Instagram has been accused of having caused eating disorders in two little girls.
Source: BFM TV
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