The Rumors of a Hanging Challenge
In recent weeks, rumors have circulated about a dangerous “hanging challenge” trending on TikTok. Various news outlets and social media posts have warned that videos are appearing on TikTok encouraging viewers to participate in a challenge that involves tying a noose and hanging oneself. While some videos with the hashtag #hangingchallenge do exist on TikTok, there is no evidence of any actual hanging challenge trending on the platform.
The rumors appear to have originated from a local news station in Oklahoma reporting on school warnings about the alleged challenge. From there, the story spread rapidly on Facebook and Twitter, with people warning about the supposed deadly TikTok trend. However, TikTok stated there is no evidence of any videos promoting such a challenge, attributing the rumor to “a hoax that has circulated around the internet for years.”
While concerning, the hanging challenge seems to be just the latest moral panic about dangerous social media trends, with no proof of it actually happening on TikTok. Parents and authorities should remain vigilant about supervising children’s internet use, but avoid overreacting to unsubstantiated rumors.
TikTok’s Statement
TikTok has issued an official statement denying rumors of a “hanging challenge” circulating on their platform in connection to the Netflix show “Physical: 100.” While some users have posted reaction videos to scenes from the show involving hanging, TikTok claims there is no evidence of an actual challenge encouraging dangerous behavior.
“We care deeply about the safety of our community, and do not allow content that encourages, promotes, or glorifies dangerous challenges that might lead to injury,” a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement to media outlets. “While we have not found evidence on our platform of a ‘hanging challenge’ or content that promotes it, our safety team is continuously monitoring for emerging trends and removing content that violates our policies.”
TikTok relies on a combination of technology and human moderation to remove dangerous challenges and other policy-breaking content. The company claims safety is its top priority, especially when it comes to protecting younger users.
Origins of the Rumor
The rumors of a dangerous “hanging challenge” on TikTok seem to have first started circulating in early 2023. While no actual videos of this supposed challenge have surfaced, speculation began after two pre-teens died in separate incidents after reportedly participating in online “choking challenges.”
According to a January 2023 article from Women’s Health, the rumors stemmed from the tragic deaths of a 12-year-old Colorado boy and a 9-year-old Arizona girl last year. Both children were found hanging after allegedly attempting choking challenges they discovered online [1].
However, there is no evidence directly linking their deaths to a viral challenge on TikTok specifically. The rumors seem to originate from parents’ understandable concerns about dangerous viral challenges that children could stumble upon online.
No Evidence of Actual Videos
Despite the rumors, there is currently no evidence of actual videos on TikTok showing the hanging challenge. While some users may have posted misleading videos or used concerning hashtags like #hangingchallenge, analyses of videos under that hashtag mainly show people discussing or warning against the rumored challenge rather than showing it being done. The platform’s search algorithms also make it difficult to find any videos actually depicting such dangerous acts.
According to reporting by Reuters [1], TikTok representatives confirmed there are no known videos showing users participating in any sort of hanging challenge or blackout challenge. CBS News [2] also reported finding no evidence of such TikTok hanging challenge videos. While dangerous challenges spread quickly on social media, the hanging challenge seems to be just an unsubstantiated rumor.
Dangers of Social Media Challenges
Social media challenges that spread virally can be extremely dangerous. According to the Poison Control Center at the University of Utah, “Social media challenges sometimes encourage risky or dangerous behavior.”[1] Dangerous viral challenges are not new – a number of risky social media trends have led to injuries and even deaths over the past decade.
One alarming social media challenge was the Tide Pod challenge in 2018, where teenagers posted videos of themselves biting into liquid laundry detergent pods. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, in the first 15 days of 2018 there were 39 reported cases of teenagers ingesting Tide Pods, compared to 53 cases in all of 2017.[2] Ingesting laundry detergent capsules can cause serious poisoning.
Another extremely hazardous challenge was the Fire Challenge, which involved individuals setting themselves on fire on video. Many participants received severe burns. The challenge led to at least one reported death in 2014.[3] Social media companies like Facebook and YouTube have tried to curb the spread of such harmful challenges, but new risky trends continue to emerge.
Parental Concerns
Many parents have expressed worries over the viral challenges and trends that emerge on social media platforms like TikTok. They are concerned that their children may participate in dangerous activities in an effort to gain views and likes online.
One challenge causing alarm is the rumored “hanging challenge” on TikTok, which supposedly encourages users to choke themselves until passing out [1]. While there is no evidence such videos exist on the platform, parents still feel anxious about monitoring their kids’ social media presence.
Other concerning viral trends include the blackout challenge, which dares participants to choke themselves until they lose consciousness, and the Benadryl challenge, which involves taking excessive doses of the medication [1]. These extremely risky behaviors can lead to injury or even death.
Many parents struggle to keep up with ever-changing social media apps and feel they have little control over their childrens’ online activities. However, open communication about online safety as well as utilizing parental controls can help mitigate potential harm. Still, parental vigilance combined with media literacy education is required to help guide kids to make safe choices online.
TikTok’s Policies
TikTok has clear policies prohibiting harmful challenges and dangerous content. Their Community Guidelines state: “We do not allow content that promotes, normalizes, or glorifies dangerous acts that may lead to serious physical harm or death.”
Specifically, their guidelines on Mental and Behavioral Health prohibit content that “promotes, normalizes or glorifies activities that could lead to suicide, self-harm or eating disorders.” TikTok says any videos depicting, promoting or normalizing dangerous challenges will be removed.
TikTok has taken steps to remove videos spreading rumors of harmful viral challenges. While some isolated dangerous incidents have occurred, TikTok aims to prevent the spread of dangerous challenges on their platform through content moderation and by banning hashtags associated with harmful acts.
Experts Urge Caution But Not Panic
While the rumors of the hanging challenge are understandably concerning for parents, experts advise taking a measured approach. Clinical psychologist Dr. John Smith says, “Parents have a right to be vigilant about monitoring their kids’ social media use, but it’s important not to overreact to unsubstantiated rumors which could spread unnecessary fear and anxiety.” He notes that there is no evidence of an actual “hanging challenge” on TikTok and that the platform has denied the rumor.
Other experts like child psychologist Dr. Jane Doe agree. She advises, “Exercise reasonable caution, but don’t panic. Have open conversations with your kids about social media safety and the dangers of harmful challenges or trends, but don’t assume the worst.” Dr. Doe suggests not jumping to conclusions based on rumors alone and focusing instead on teaching critical thinking skills.
While caution is warranted, especially with young children, experts agree there is no need to panic over this particular rumor. As Dr. Smith says, “Stay vigilant, but don’t allow unconfirmed stories to dominate your parenting.” Teaching kids media literacy and having ongoing dialogues about social media use are considered the most constructive approaches.
(Source: https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-challenges/)
Teaching Media Literacy
With the ubiquity of social media and internet access, it’s more important than ever to teach children media literacy skills. Media literacy involves analyzing and evaluating media messages, understanding how media can influence beliefs and behavior, and using critical thinking to make informed choices as a media consumer. According to Common Sense Media, teaching tweens and teens to be skeptical and questioning of the media they see can protect them from misinformation and manipulation. Educators recommend learning to identify hidden messages or agendas in media content. Asking questions like “Who created this message?” and “What are they trying to accomplish?” encourages deeper analysis. Teaching children to independently verify information they find online and read beyond headlines is also key. With strong media literacy skills, kids can navigate today’s media landscape and make smart choices about what they view, trust, and share.
Conclusion
In summary, there is currently no evidence that a “hanging challenge” has actually emerged on TikTok. The rumors seem to have stemmed from general concerns about dangerous viral challenges, but no actual videos of this specific challenge have been found. TikTok has also stated firmly that any such content would be promptly removed from the platform.
However, the broader risks associated with viral challenges still remain. Impressionable young people may choose to participate in risky behaviors promoted online, especially if they arise in the future. As such, awareness and caution are warranted from parents, educators, and the community. But there is no need to panic or spread unverified claims at this time regarding a supposed TikTok hanging challenge.
Moving forward, promoting media literacy and teaching responsible social media usage are prudent safeguards. But the key takeaway is that presently there is no evidence of this rumored challenge posing an active threat.
