As authorities warn against kiki challenge, this disturbing trend may resurface

What becomes a trend on social media is something no one can predict, and at times viral content can turn out to be bizarre. Apart from beauty and health trends raising concern, several challenges on the digital space including the notorious Blue Whale challenge have led to horrific consequences.

While police in different cities are warning people against stepping out of cars and dancing as part of the Kiki challenge, there is a shocking trend making a comeback. The hot water challenge has been around for a few years, but is again in the news after a 15-year-boy suffered second degree burns when his friend poured boiling water on him.

The challenge involves walking up to people with a bucket of boiling water when they aren’t aware, throwing the water on them and filming their agony. Although it’s mind boggling how someone would do a thing like that, a lot of internet users have been following this trend.

Meanwhile there’s another version where people are tricked into drinking boiling water with a straw. While many have been diagnosed for second and third degree burns as a result of the madness, an eight-year-old girl died when her cousin made her drink hot water with a straw.

Even as people wonder how to discourage teenagers and children from participating in such acts, the worrying part is this is just one of many such trends. While the Blue Whale challenge terrified the world triggering suicides, recently the Tide Pod challenge led youngsters to digest packets of detergent raising alarm about serious health risks.