Social Media’s Hidden Danger: How Trends Can Lead to Traumatic Brain Injuries

Social media has become an undeniable force in modern society, connecting billions across the globe. However, beneath the surface of viral dances and trending challenges lies a hidden danger: the potential for serious physical harm, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Fueled by the pursuit of likes and shares, social media trends can entice individuals, particularly young people, to engage in risky behaviors with devastating consequences. According to a recent study, 67% of teens have reported seeing at least one harmful or dangerous challenge online in the past year, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue.

The Allure of Virality: Why Trends Turn Dangerous

Social media platforms thrive on user engagement, and viral trends are a key driver of this engagement. The desire for online recognition, peer pressure, and the gamified nature of these challenges can cloud judgment, leading individuals to participate without fully considering the risks involved.

The pressure to conform: Social media creates a culture of conformity, where individuals feel compelled to participate in trends to fit in or gain social acceptance.
The illusion of safety: Many challenges appear harmless on the surface, masking the potential for serious injury.
The pursuit of fame: The promise of viral fame can incentivize individuals to push their limits, often with dangerous consequences.

Common Social Media Trends That Can Cause TBIs

While seemingly harmless, many social media trends can lead to traumatic brain injuries. Here are a few examples:

The Milk Crate Challenge: This challenge involves stacking milk crates into a pyramid and attempting to climb it. Falls from the unstable structure can result in concussions, fractures, and other serious injuries. During 2020-2021, the Milk Crate Challenge resulted in 8,107 emergency-room treated injuries.
The Blackout Challenge: This dangerous trend encourages participants to intentionally choke themselves or others until they lose consciousness. The Blackout Challenge has led to multiple deaths and severe injuries, including brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. As of November 2022, at least 15 children under age 12 have died as a result of attempting this challenge.
The Skull Breaker Challenge: This challenge involves two individuals kicking the legs out from under a third person, causing them to fall backward and potentially hit their head. The Skull Breaker Challenge has resulted in spinal injuries, hospital admissions, and even assault charges.
The Cinnamon Challenge: This challenge involves attempting to swallow a spoonful of cinnamon in under 60 seconds without drinking any water. The Cinnamon Challenge can cause choking, breathing difficulties, and lung damage.
The Benadryl Challenge: This challenge involves taking excessive amounts of Benadryl to induce hallucinations. The Benadryl Challenge can cause seizures, heart problems, coma, and death.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force impacts the head, disrupting normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe injuries with long-lasting consequences.

Symptoms of a TBI can include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Confusion
Memory problems
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Changes in behavior or mood

Legal Recourse for TBI Victims

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to a social media trend, you may have legal recourse. Potential avenues for legal action include:

Negligence claims: If the injury occurred on someone else’s property, a negligence claim may be filed against the property owner for failing to maintain a safe environment.
Product liability claims: If the injury was caused by a defective product used in the challenge, a product liability claim may be filed against the manufacturer.
Claims against social media platforms: While social media platforms are generally protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, there may be exceptions if the platform actively promotes or encourages dangerous content.
Personal Injury Claim: In Florida, as in many states, individuals and entities can be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their negligence. If your TBI resulted from someone else’s careless actions, you may have a valid personal injury claim.

The Role of Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms have a responsibility to protect their users from harmful content. While Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act generally shields these platforms from liability for user-generated content, there is growing pressure for them to take a more active role in monitoring and removing dangerous trends.

Steps social media platforms can take:

Implement stricter content moderation policies: Platforms should proactively identify and remove content that promotes dangerous activities.
Provide warnings and disclaimers: When users search for or view content related to potentially harmful challenges, platforms should display warnings about the risks involved.
Partner with experts: Platforms should collaborate with safety organizations and medical professionals to develop effective strategies for preventing the spread of dangerous trends.

Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Be aware of the risks: Educate yourself and your family about the potential dangers of social media trends.
Talk to your children: Have open and honest conversations with your children about the pressures they face online and the importance of making safe choices.
Monitor social media activity: Keep an eye on the trends your children are following and the content they are consuming.
Encourage critical thinking: Teach your children to question the information they see online and to think critically about the risks involved in participating in challenges.
Report dangerous content: If you see content that promotes dangerous activities, report it to the social media platform.

Navigating Social Media After a TBI

For individuals recovering from a TBI, social media use can present unique challenges. Cognitive impairments, such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating, can make it difficult to navigate these platforms. Additionally, the fast-paced and stimulating nature of social media can be overwhelming and exacerbate symptoms.

Tips for safe social media use after a TBI:

Limit screen time: Set time limits for social media use to avoid overstimulation.
Take breaks: Take frequent breaks to rest your brain.
Use assistive technology: Explore assistive technology, such as screen readers and voice-to-text software, to make social media more accessible.
Be mindful of privacy: Be cautious about sharing personal information online, as individuals with TBIs may be more vulnerable to scams and exploitation.
Seek support: Connect with other TBI survivors online for support and encouragement.

The Intersection of Social Media, TBIs, and Legal Action

The rise of social media trends has created a new landscape of personal injury law. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to a dangerous online challenge, it is crucial to seek legal guidance. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options for pursuing compensation.

If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury due to a dangerous social media trend, remember that you are not alone. Contact our firm today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.