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Panic World
Are online "suicide games" real? (With Alex Goldman)
Jan 29, 2025
Alex Goldman, host of the podcast Hyperfixed, dives into the chilling world of online suicide games like the Momo and Blue Whale Challenges. He explores the myths surrounding these trends, unpacking their origins and the media's role in spreading fear. Goldman examines how these 'challenges' have influenced youth behavior and mental health, stressing the urgent need for parental awareness. With humor and insight, he addresses the complexities of digital dangers, emphasizing open communication about the risks lurking in online spaces.
01:30:28
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Quick takeaways
- The Momo and Blue Whale challenges highlight societal panic surrounding online content, often fueled by media sensationalism and fear-mongering.
- While some incidents were linked to the Blue Whale challenge, most claims lacked credible evidence, revealing a history of exaggeration.
Deep dives
The Momo Challenge and Its Origins
The Momo challenge originated from a creepy sculpture created by Japanese artist Kaisuke Aiso, which took on a life of its own through the internet. The viral panic began when a 2019 Instagram post by Kim Kardashian alerted parents to the dangers associated with the Momo character, which was allegedly instructing children to commit self-harm. This led to widespread fear, with reports connecting the challenge to various tragic incidents, including a suicide in Buenos Aires. As the narrative spread, it became entangled with concerns about children’s safety on platforms like YouTube, becoming a moral panic that had little basis in evidenced reality.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode