Parents have raised an alarm on the soaring number of deadly challenges targeting children on the social media app, TikTok.
TikTok is in the spotlight for allegedly promoting an array of trending themed challenges reported to propagate violence and other vices.
It was also accused of hooking kids via its algorithms, enticing them to perform the hazardous challenges.
It was alleged that the app's algorithms exploits under age users who are not yet to control their impulses and emotions.
TikTok is facing various lawsuits, with the recent one being filed in the US. In this instance, it was accused of using its algorithm to promote a 'blackout challenge'.
Two girls passed away while attempting the challenge, with one alleged to have died by self-strangulation.
Further reports alleged that TikTok was a contributing factor in the deaths of children in Italy and Australia.
TikTok designs its app and algorithm to maximize user engagement and dependence and powerfully encourages users in a repetitive and dopamine-driven feedback loop to watch, share and attempt viral challenges.
Some of the challenges that touted to be dangerous are “Skull Breaker Challenge” in which a challenger's legs are kicked while they jump, forcing them to flip and hit their heads.
Another dubbed “Coronavirus Challenge” involved licking random items and surfaces in public, encouraging rebellion against health measures set to curb the spread of the pandemic.
The “Fire challenge” involved dousing subastances with flammable liquid before setting them ablaze.
In a recent study by the Mozilla Foundation published by Aljazeera, TikTok was further accused of promoting videos that have messages bordering on hate speech, incitement and political disinformation.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists advise that you can always reach out for help when experiencing any mental health issues. Call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199 for support.
