① The ‘Bone Smashing’ Challenge Trending Overseas
On the short video platform TikTok, various challenges are trending. Recently, a ‘bone smashing’ challenge where users use electric massagers to ‘break’ their jawbones has sparked controversy overseas. TikTokers post videos of themselves using electric massagers, hammers, and bottles to hit their faces and restructure their bone structure.
These videos, titled ‘bone smashing tutorials,’ have gone viral, reaching as many as 364 million views. In the videos, TikTokers explain that hitting the jawbone with an electric massager can lead to fractures. They claim that continuously hitting the facial bones can naturally align them, resulting in an attractive jawline, depending on the bone’s regenerative ability. TikTokers post before-and-after pictures of their faces, claiming noticeable differences.
As this challenge becomes popular, experts are warning that it is an extremely dangerous behavior. Dr. Prem Tripathi, a plastic surgeon in San Francisco, USA, advised against this reckless act, stating, “There is no medical basis for this behavior, and it can cause severe injuries. Do not intentionally break your facial bones.”
He explained, “The theory that moving the facial bones and having them heal on their own is inaccurate, and even if the bones do heal, they are likely to be in an abnormal position.” Dr. Tripathi added that abnormal cartilage fractures, known as ‘greenstick fractures,’ could occur, leading to complications. He repeatedly warned that if the bones do not heal properly, it could instead damage the appearance.
Though TikTokers claim that fractured bones naturally realign themselves, experts say this behavior is unfounded. They stated, “Bones do heal after fractures, but they do not heal in the way people expect, providing a chiseled jawline.” They also pointed out that “bone smashing carries a high risk of permanently damaging soft tissue, connective tissue, or eyes, and can cause bleeding and inflammation, with a high risk of infection.”
② Reckless Consumption of Dangerous Challenges
In addition to the recent ‘bone smashing’ trend, other dangerous challenges are being recklessly consumed. The ‘French Scar Challenge’ has begun to trend in Italy among teenagers. The name was coined to mimic the rough look of French gangsters.
It involves pinching each other’s faces or pinching their own faces to create scars artificially. They pinch the cheekbone area and burst the capillaries under the skin to create a red bruise. Although these scars tend to fade over time, they can leave permanent scars in severe cases, necessitating laser treatments. The ‘French Scar Challenge’ has raised concerns about encouraging self-harm among teenagers.
The Italian Competition Authority stated, “TikTok lacks an appropriate system to supervise content posted by third parties. The ‘French Scar Challenge’ violates TikTok’s guidelines, which require the removal of dangerous content.” They have investigated whether TikTok purposely neglected harmful content that incites self-harm among teenagers.
③ A Series of Fatal Accidents
At one point, the ‘Blackout Challenge’ was trending among teenagers. This challenge involved filming oneself choking until passing out or holding one’s breath for as long as possible before fainting and posting the video on TikTok.
Starting in 2021, this challenge began to trend on TikTok, primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom, leading to a series of fatal accidents among teenagers. Even young children, such as 8 and 12-year-olds, have died, sparking controversy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least 80 people have died following TikTok challenges. TikTok has been sued in the United States for its algorithm leading children to their deaths.
The lawsuit criticized TikTok’s algorithm for providing harmful content and being accessible to minors. It also sued for failing to warn users and legal guardians about the app’s addictive nature.
In response to the controversy, TikTok blocked search terms related to the challenge and took measures to prevent accidents. However, in a statement, they clarified, “This shocking challenge started on other platforms before TikTok and is not a TikTok trend.” They continued, “We are continuously working for the safety of our users and will immediately remove any dangerous content discovered.”
By. Han Mia
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