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Dangerous 'self-escape' social media challenge lands Chinese woman in police rescue
🇰🇷 South Korea /Technology

Dangerous 'self-escape' social media challenge lands Chinese woman in police rescue

From Dong-A Ilbo · (9m ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A dangerous social media challenge, the 'self-escape challenge,' has gone viral in China, leading to a woman requiring rescue by police.
  • The challenge involves sitting with legs crossed on a lamppost and attempting to free oneself, but participants often get stuck.
  • Experts warn of potential injuries, including knee damage and circulatory problems, urging people to avoid such risky trends.

A concerning trend is emerging from China's social media landscape: the 'self-escape challenge.' This particular stunt, which involves a participant sitting with their legs crossed on a lamppost and then attempting to extricate themselves, has led to at least one woman needing police assistance. The seemingly simple act has proven difficult for many, with individuals becoming trapped and requiring rescue.

This challenge has hidden safety risks.

— Police officerThe officer who rescued the woman warned about the dangers associated with the 'self-escape challenge.'

This is not an isolated incident of dangerous online behavior. The article highlights a history of similar risky challenges circulating on Chinese social media, including attempts to bind ankles with cable ties and immerse bodies in deep containers. These trends, while perhaps intended to garner attention or foster a sense of competition among users, pose significant safety risks.

It can cause knee injuries because you have to bear your entire body weight, and compression of the lower body blood vessels can lead to numbness, swelling, and even tissue necrosis.

— Police officerThe officer detailed the specific physical dangers participants in the challenge could face.

Authorities and netizens alike are expressing alarm. Police officers who have been involved in rescues are issuing stern warnings about the potential for severe physical harm, citing risks of knee injuries, impaired blood circulation, and even tissue necrosis. The public reaction on social media reflects a mix of bewilderment and concern, with many questioning the motivation behind participating in such reckless activities. Some users express a desire to prove their own prowess, while others simply criticize the foolishness of blindly following viral trends. The underlying psychology appears to be a blend of competitive spirit and a desire for online notoriety, often at the expense of personal safety.

I don't understand why people follow viral challenges just to get attention.

— SNS userA social media user expressed bewilderment at the motivations behind participating in dangerous online trends.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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