One-quarter of Argentine teens engage in viral social‑media challenges

A study of 848 adolescents aged 11 to 17 from four Argentine schools, published in the journal *Youth & Society*, found that 25 % had taken part in at least one viral challenge on social media during the past year. \ \ The breakdown shows 14 % completed one or two challenges, 5 % took part in three or four, and 6 % reported five or more. Researchers identified four categories of challenges – social, solidarity, tasteless or disrespectful, and dangerous – and noted that platforms such as YouTube (95 % usage), TikTok (67 %) and Instagram (62 %) were the most common venues. \ \ Motivation was primarily the desire to belong to a peer group; 8 % said they often joined challenges to avoid feeling left out, and another 11 % enjoyed seeing others imitate their posts. While many challenges are harmless, the authors warned that some, like the “Blue Whale” or “Black Out” challenges, can pose serious physical and mental health risks, including fatalities. Lead researcher Santiago Resett, an independent psychologist affiliated with CONICET and the University of Austral, advocated for critical‑thinking education rather than outright bans on technology.