Viral social media challenges may look like harmless fun online, but a new study by Omega Law Group warns that they are sending thousands of young people to emergency rooms each year and in some cases, costing them their lives.
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which together have more than 350 million U.S. users, are particularly popular with teenagers and young adults. Nearly 100 million users between the ages of 13 and 24 log in monthly—an age group experts say is the most vulnerable to risky online stunts.
“The algorithms reward virality, not safety,” said one digital safety researcher. “And teens are especially susceptible to peer pressure, likes, and the sense of belonging that comes with copying these trends.”
Teens and Young Adults: A High-Risk Demographic
- 13–17-year-olds: With underdeveloped impulse control and a heightened need for validation, this group is the most likely to attempt dangerous stunts—and the most likely to end up injured.
- 18–24-year-olds: Still impulsive, but more likely to attempt challenges tied to fitness, daring, or showing off physical ability.
- 25–34-year-olds: Less likely to initiate dangerous trends, but some still participate in humor or fitness-related stunts.
- 35+: The lowest-risk group—more likely to watch or comment than participate, often playing the role of concerned parents.
Viral Challenges with Serious Consequences
The report highlights several dangerous trends that have spread across platforms:
- Blackout Challenge: Involves self-strangulation to achieve a brief euphoric state. Linked to over 100 deaths, mostly among children aged 10–14.
- Tide Pod Challenge: Ingesting laundry pods. From 2016–2020, 35,000 ER visits were linked to this trend, with injuries ranging from poisoning to seizures and respiratory issues.
- Milk Crate Challenge: Walking on stacked crates. Over 8,000 injuries were recorded in 2020–21, including concussions, fractures, and spinal injuries.
- Fire Challenge: Lighting parts of the body on fire before extinguishing the flames. Risks include severe burns and respiratory damage.
- Benadryl Challenge: Taking large doses of the antihistamine to hallucinate. Linked to seizures, heart problems, and death.
Hospitals across the country have reported 20–30% spikes in teen emergency room visits directly tied to viral challenges.
Financial Fallout for Families
Beyond medical trauma, families face staggering costs. The average ER visit in the U.S. costs more than $2,400, and trauma-related hospitalizations can reach $80,000 or more.
Insurance coverage is not guaranteed: some providers classify these injuries as “self-inflicted” or “avoidable”, leaving families to shoulder the burden of surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy.
“Parents are blindsided twice—first by the injury, then by the medical bills,” said a spokesperson for Omega Law Group. “It’s a devastating double blow that no family should face alone.”
A Call to Action
Doctors, educators, and legal experts agree that the risks of viral challenges are real and growing.
“The pursuit of social media popularity through dangerous trends can lead to lasting health consequences—both physical and psychological,” said Dr. Rebecca Andrews, Chair of the ACP Board of Regents. “As a physician and a mother, I urge parents and platforms to act quickly to protect children.”
Legal Guidance for Affected Families
If your child or loved one has been injured as a result of a viral social media challenge, Omega Law Group can help families navigate both the medical costs and legal complexities of these cases.
