Health and Me

Ishita Roy

The Nicki Minaj Left Russian Influencer With A Fractured Spine: Why Social Media Challenges Are Detrimental To Your Health

Recently, a social media challenge which has led to many people not just trying it on, but to up the game a little bit is the <strong><em><span rel="noindex">Nicki Minaj Challenge</span></em></strong>. The challenge is inspired by the pop-artist Nicki Minaj's 2013 song High School, where she sits near the pool in her high heels stiletto with her legs crossed. Many users are now not only recreating this pose, but are also trying to balance this pose on objects to make it more challenging. 

Attempting this challenge, a Russian influence Mariana Barutkina tried to balance the pose on cans, and ended up fracturing her back just weeks after giving birth. The new mom influencer shared the 'challenge fail' video of her falling as she lost her balance on top of a can of baby formula, stacked on top of a saucepan, while she ore high heels. The video shows that someone helped her maintain balance and as soon as she let go the hand, she lost her balance and fell.

However, this is not the first time something like this has happened. Social media challenges, as trendy as they may be, has had detrimental health consequences, so much so that studies by numerous international health journals and advisories have been issued. 

Here are some of the social media challenges that has sparked health controversies:

A 2019 study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, noted that the "Blue Whale Challenge" started by a Russian psychologist, who thought that a person with "no value" should end their life, as does the whale which "strands" itself. The challenge soon spread to other countries including Ukraine, India and the United States.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/vanishing-twin-syndrome-love-islands-olivia-bowen-opens-up-about-her-pregnancy-journey-and-emotional-struggle-article-152416958" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Vanishing Twin Syndrome: Love Island's Olivia Bowen Opens Up About Her Pregnancy Journey and Emotional Struggle </a> 

The online game, popularly known as the "suicide game" aimed at teenagers which set 50 tasks over 50 days. Where those who took this challenge were asked to do easy tasks like waking up in the middle of the night or to watch a scary film. However, as days passed these tasks grew dangerous, leading to "cutting a whale in your arm" and eventually killing yourself.

<h2>The <span rel="noindex">Benadryl Challenge</span></h2>

In 2020, notes Cleveland Clinic, <span>TikTok</span> challenge urged users to consume large amounts of the over-the-counter drug diphenhydramine, also known as <span>Benadryl</span>. This caused hallucinations or induce an altered mental state. 

Experts have spoken out against this challenge, as it can lead to addiction issues, as well as other health risks. The challenge, which had gained popularity among pre-teens and teens, urged users to take 12 or more tablets at a time, whereas the direction say children aged 6 to 12, can take ne tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Whereas, for adults, no more than two tablets must be consumed, in 4 to 6 hours. 

Overdose of Benadryl can lead to high body temperature and heart rate, confusion, sedation, delirium, hallucination, blurred vision, which could result in falls and injury, urinary retention, nausea, omitting, dizziness, and even death. 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also issued an advisory against the high dose and misuse of the same on September 24, 2020. The advisory also noted: "We are aware of news reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the “Benadryl Challenge” encouraged in videos posted on the social media application TikTok."

<h2>The <span rel="noindex">Sleepy Chicken Challenge</span></h2>

While mostly fictional, and used as a joke, social media did start a challenge where photos of "Nyquill Chicken" were circulated. The joke was that people could now coat chicken in cough medicine, cook it on the stove and eat. 

On this too, FDA issued an advisory explaining why you should never heat up cough medicine and why overdosing is dangerous. However, it is important to note that it was always a joke on TikTok. 

<h2>The <span rel="noindex">Blackout Challenge</span></h2>

Another TikTok's viral challenge, which had made waves somewhere between end of 2020 to beginning of 2021 was the 'Blackout Challenge', where kids from around the world were choking themselves with household items until they blacked out. The challenge encouraged that they would get adrenaline rush once they would regain their consciousness and then post the video on social media.

Bloomberg reports, that a 10-year-old girl form Palermo, Sicily, named Antonella Sicomero, had been found hanging from a towel rack in January with a bathrobe belt around her neck. 

<h2>The <span rel="noindex">One Chip Challenge</span></h2>

The 'One Chip' challenge was promoted by Paqui, a tortilla chip company, with the package that red "One Chip Challenge". The chips were flavored with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers. The challenge involved eating the single spicy tortilla chip, then waiting as long as possible before eating or drinking anything else. 

However, the challenge led to many people facing medical problems, including a 14-year-old boy who died within hours after he took this challenge in September 2023. Many reported experiencing mouth irritation, pain, or burning, along with intestinal discomfort. Furthermore, in extreme cases there were shortness of breath, allergic reactions, chest pain, heart palpitations, and heart attacks or strokes.

The company discontinued its production after the 14-year-old boy's demise. 

Health Conditions A-Z

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Nicki Minaj Challenge

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one chip challenge

benadryl challenge

sleepy chicken challenge

blackout challenge

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Recently, a social media challenge which has led to many people not just trying it on, but to up the game a little bit is the Nicki Minaj Challenge. The challenge is inspired by the pop-artist Nicki Minaj's 2013 song High School, where she sits near the pool in her high heels stiletto with her legs crossed. Many users are now not only recreating this pose, but are also trying to balance this pose on objects to make it more challenging. Attempting this challenge, a Russian influence Mariana Barutkina tried to balance the pose on cans, and ended up fracturing her back just weeks after giving birth. The new mom influencer shared the 'challenge fail' video of her falling as she lost her balance on top of a can of baby formula, stacked on top of a saucepan, while she ore high heels. The video shows that someone helped her maintain balance and as soon as she let go the hand, she lost her balance and fell.However, this is not the first time something like this has happened. Social media challenges, as trendy as they may be, has had detrimental health consequences, so much so that studies by numerous international health journals and advisories have been issued. Here are some of the social media challenges that has sparked health controversies:Blue Whale ChallengeA 2019 study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, noted that the "Blue Whale Challenge" started by a Russian psychologist, who thought that a person with "no value" should end their life, as does the whale which "strands" itself. The challenge soon spread to other countries including Ukraine, India and the United States.Also Read: Vanishing Twin Syndrome: Love Island's Olivia Bowen Opens Up About Her Pregnancy Journey and Emotional Struggle  The online game, popularly known as the "suicide game" aimed at teenagers which set 50 tasks over 50 days. Where those who took this challenge were asked to do easy tasks like waking up in the middle of the night or to watch a scary film. However, as days passed these tasks grew dangerous, leading to "cutting a whale in your arm" and eventually killing yourself.The Benadryl ChallengeIn 2020, notes Cleveland Clinic, TikTok challenge urged users to consume large amounts of the over-the-counter drug diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl. This caused hallucinations or induce an altered mental state. Experts have spoken out against this challenge, as it can lead to addiction issues, as well as other health risks. The challenge, which had gained popularity among pre-teens and teens, urged users to take 12 or more tablets at a time, whereas the direction say children aged 6 to 12, can take ne tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Whereas, for adults, no more than two tablets must be consumed, in 4 to 6 hours. Overdose of Benadryl can lead to high body temperature and heart rate, confusion, sedation, delirium, hallucination, blurred vision, which could result in falls and injury, urinary retention, nausea, omitting, dizziness, and even death. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also issued an advisory against the high dose and misuse of the same on September 24, 2020. The advisory also noted: "We are aware of news reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the “Benadryl Challenge” encouraged in videos posted on the social media application TikTok."The Sleepy Chicken ChallengeWhile mostly fictional, and used as a joke, social media did start a challenge where photos of "Nyquill Chicken" were circulated. The joke was that people could now coat chicken in cough medicine, cook it on the stove and eat. On this too, FDA issued an advisory explaining why you should never heat up cough medicine and why overdosing is dangerous. However, it is important to note that it was always a joke on TikTok. The Blackout ChallengeAnother TikTok's viral challenge, which had made waves somewhere between end of 2020 to beginning of 2021 was the 'Blackout Challenge', where kids from around the world were choking themselves with household items until they blacked out. The challenge encouraged that they would get adrenaline rush once they would regain their consciousness and then post the video on social media.Bloomberg reports, that a 10-year-old girl form Palermo, Sicily, named Antonella Sicomero, had been found hanging from a towel rack in January with a bathrobe belt around her neck. The One Chip ChallengeThe 'One Chip' challenge was promoted by Paqui, a tortilla chip company, with the package that red "One Chip Challenge". The chips were flavored with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers. The challenge involved eating the single spicy tortilla chip, then waiting as long as possible before eating or drinking anything else. However, the challenge led to many people facing medical problems, including a 14-year-old boy who died within hours after he took this challenge in September 2023. Many reported experiencing mouth irritation, pain, or burning, along with intestinal discomfort. Furthermore, in extreme cases there were shortness of breath, allergic reactions, chest pain, heart palpitations, and heart attacks or strokes.The company discontinued its production after the 14-year-old boy's demise. 