Warnings over viral TikTok challenges that should not be copied

Dangerous online trends continue to raise concerns as short-form video platforms reward fast-moving, highly shareable content that can spread globally within hours.

The conversation around digital safety has continued to grow across Nottinghamshire amid wider concerns about online behaviour among teenagers and younger social media users. 

Experts at Hopp by Wix have now analysed some of the most dangerous micro-challenges to go viral online, revealing how shock-based engagement fuels their popularity.

Experts say creators and brands can still build viral audiences safely by focusing on community-led and skill-based content instead of dangerous stunts.

The most dangerous social media micro-challenges

Chromebook Challenge
The Chromebook Challenge is a recent viral trend where students intentionally damage school-issued Chromebook laptops, often causing overheating, smoke, or fire, and filming the results for social media attention.

The trend has raised serious safety concerns, including fire risks from lithium batteries, potential burns, and classroom evacuations. It has also led to costly damage for schools.

Experts say it spread because it was easy to recreate with accessible devices and produced dramatic, attention-grabbing footage that performed well on social media.

Tide Pod Challenge

One of the most widely discussed viral challenges involved participants filming themselves chewing or swallowing laundry detergent pods. What began as an online joke back in 2018 quickly became a serious health concern, with reports of poisoning and emergency hospital visits linked to the trend.

Experts say the challenge spread quickly because of its shock value and accessibility, as many teenagers could easily access detergent pods at home. Health risks linked to ingesting the pods included breathing difficulties, lung damage, vomiting, and, in severe cases, coma.

Cinnamon Challenge

The Cinnamon Challenge involved participants attempting to swallow a spoonful of ground cinnamon in under 60 seconds without drinking water. The trend became hugely popular online because of its deceptively simple format and the predictable reactions it created on camera.

However, medical experts warned that inhaling cinnamon powder could lead to serious respiratory complications, including lung irritation and long-term inflammation.

While dangerous challenges often gain traction because they are easy to recreate and generate shock-driven engagement, experts say creators do not need risky content to build visibility online.

Amir Gabay, Co-CEO of Hopp by Wix, said:

“Creators do not need dangerous or misleading content to go viral. The trends that perform best are often simple, interactive, and safe for audiences to participate in. Skill-based challenges, transformation videos, and community-led trends can all help creators build engagement while encouraging a safer online environment.”

Why and how do these trends spread

These trends often spread largely due to algorithm amplification, with platforms such as TikTok pushing high-engagement videos fast. But it's also the nature of these micro-challenges that makes them spread across social media so rapidly. They typically have low barriers to entry (no equipment, or items that many readily have available), and don’t show the after effects. The shock factor, the spectacle of the danger, and the attention and views this generates ultimately leads to the widespread reach.

What can content creators do to go viral safely 

While dangerous challenges often gain traction because they are easy to recreate and generate shock-driven engagement, experts say creators do not need risky content to build visibility online.

Amir Gabay, Co-CEO of Hopp by Wix comments: “Short-form video continues to play a major role in how creators and small businesses connect with audiences online. While standing out on social media is increasingly important, building engagement should always come back to authenticity, creativity, and audience trust.

“Content that feels genuinely entertaining and community-focused is often what resonates most strongly with audiences. When creators prioritise safe, honest, and relatable storytelling, social media can become a valuable channel for long-term growth and meaningful engagement.”