10 Most Controversial trend on TikTok 

TikTok, the international social media sensation, is where challenges and trends go viral and get the attention of billions of people all over the globe. From dance challenges to comedic skits, TikTok can get everybody talking about it and cause a craze overnight. Though many appear entertaining and cheerful, in recent years, several controversies have surrounded some of these trends, leading to heated discussions and misapprehensions in society. 

These trends may sometimes transcend society’s norms, ethical issues, and even the law and spark debate among people. With TikTok affecting the way we live and its impact on young people and societal accepted norms, it is imperative that we evaluate the problems arising and where they are heading.  

The surge of challenges and trends 

The surge of TikTok challenges and trends reflects the immense influence of social media on modern society. With a single video, an ordinary person can inspire a global movement. However, this power also carries great responsibility, as some trends promote harmful behavior and negatively influence teenagers. Many use this global platform to spread positivity, awareness, and education for such content curation, and if you are one of those creators, there are the best sites to buy TikTok likes to boost your engagement rates. 

As we delve into the 10 most controversial TikTok trends, it becomes increasingly clear that the platform’s influence extends far beyond mere entertainment – it can shape behavior, attitudes, and cultural narratives for better or worse. 

1. The Nyquil Chall

This alarming trend consisted of cooking chicken with Nyquil, the flu and cold medication used in patients with flu or a cough, and reportedly to induce a “trippy” effect. Health specialists have strongly condemned this practice due to the risk of overdosing on the medication and the potential long-term health issues resulting from it. When cooking chicken in Nyquil, water and alcohol evaporate, leaving the chicken with high concentrations of drugs, which are incredibly toxic. The trend promoted dangerous behavior and highlighted the alarming lengths to which some individuals would go for viral fame without basic safety and common sense in the process. 

2. The Skull Breaker Challenge 

The “Skull Breaker Challenge” was a disturbing trend that involved two people kicking the legs of an unsuspecting third person, causing them to fall backward, which can lead to severe injuries to the skull or concussions. As videos of the challenge spread like wildfire, concerns about bullying, peer pressure, and the normalization of violence among youth reached a fever pitch. 

3. The Benadryl Challenge 

One of the most alarming trends on TikTok was the “Benadryl Challenge,” which encouraged users to consume an excess amount of Benadryl to induce hallucinations. Health specialists advise against the challenges and warn about severe health risks, including seizures, comas, and even death.  

4. The Blackout Challenge 

“The Blackout Challenge,” also known by people as the “Choking Game” or “Pass-Out Challenge,” involves people who intentionally reduce the supply of air to themselves, hoping to experience a temporary high or a euphoric feeling. The reappearance of this dangerous trend on TikTok has garnered media attention and resulted in multiple fatalities, contributing to the more practical measures put in place. The challenge underlined the grave requirement for more efficient management and content filtering on social media networks and making users aware of the internal dangers of such trends. 

5. The Coronavirus Challenge  

As COVID-19 became more prominent, the “Coronavirus Challenge” became a social media trend. During this challenge, individuals filmed themselves licking or coughing on grocery items, ATMs, and other surfaces. Such careless behavior compromised the public’s health and showed a disrespectful attitude towards the seriousness of the global pandemic. The challenge was widely criticized for its insensitivity and potential, which, in turn, could make the epidemic much worse than it already is. It consequently stressed the importance of correct behavior during crisis periods. 

6. The Milk Crate Challenge 

The “Milk Crate Challenge” is a dangerous stunt that became popular in August 2021. Players tried to scale a giant heap of plastic milk crates, which sometimes ended with falls that hurt the participants. Nevertheless, the craze was still going strong despite many warnings from public health officials and viral videos showing the risks. The challenge has faced a lot of criticism for inspiring teenagers to take unnecessary risks and sacrificing their safety for quick online fame. 

7. The Duct Tape Challenge 

5. The “Duct Tape Challenge” gained popularity in 2020, where participants are seen wrapping themselves with duct tape and trying to break free from it. While seemingly harmless, the trend raised concerns about potential injuries, suffocation, and the promotion of dangerous behavior, particularly among the youth. As videos of the challenge spread, concerns about peer pressure and the normalization of risky stunts for online clout grew louder. 

8. Angel of Death 

Originally started in Indonesia, in this challenge, teenagers would jump in front of moving trucks and hope that the driver would miraculously press the break-in time. These daredevil challenges have taken lives and caused severe injuries to many individuals.   

9. Fire Challenges 

There are several versions of this fire challenge, where TikTok users use fire for dangerous activities. The fire challenge consists of spraying an aerosol can, like hairspray and deodorants, in shape and lighting it with fire. Another challenge was when participants used sand sanitizers in their hands and lit a fire on them. Despite continuous warnings, this challenge hasn’t stopped circulating and has gained popularity on social media. 

10. Cha- Cha Slide Challenge 

TikTokers would perform the iconic “Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper, where TikTokers steer their wheels with the words of the song “Slide to the left, slide to the right,” causing reckless driving and simultaneously putting many lives in danger. 

Conclusion 

TikTok’s viral challenges and trends spread like wildfire, but many of the trends are controversial and dangerous. These trends shape the future of many teenagers and youth, so participants must be cautious while performing any risky activities. While platforms need better content moderation, parents and teachers must warn and educate their children about the harm caused by these challenges. We must balance the fun of viral trends against preventing truly harmful ones.