Another dangerous internet challenge has surfaced, this one urging children to take their own lives. Police around the world are alerting parents to guide their children and dissuade them from participating in this fresh internet fad.
The latest perilous craze is called “Momo Challenge” and it started appearing around the world in the past weeks. It follows the same sick style every time. The challenge asks the participant to add and contact someone called “Momo.” Then the user will receive a barrage of disturbing, frightening images and worse, violent messages that appear to encourage violence, self-harm or suicide.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UIDI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UIDI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FGETabasco?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FGETabasco</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cibernetica?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cibernetica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tabasco?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tabasco</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Villahermosa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Villahermosa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Polic%C3%ADaCibern%C3%A9ticaTabasco?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PolicíaCibernéticaTabasco</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SegurosAlNavegar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SegurosAlNavegar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrevencionDelitosCibern%C3%A9ticos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrevencionDelitosCibernéticos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOMO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOMO</a> Advertencia por nuevo reto en niños y jóvenes, evita hablar con desconocidos, buscan obtener información que puede ser utilizada en tu contra. <a href="https://t.co/FywFhZFyyH">pic.twitter.com/FywFhZFyyH</a></p>— UIDI FGE Tabasco (@UIDIFGETabasco) <a href="https://twitter.com/UIDIFGETabasco/status/1017541033813409793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Related Coverage: https://thegoldwater.com/news/32923-Iowa-Teen-Lands-in-the-ICU-After-Taking-Viral-Dance-Kiki-Challenge
For one, the challenge uses the image of a woman with grotesque features and is linked to the game. The image is taken from a Japanese doll artist Midori Hayashi. The doll artist, however, is not in any way involved in the challenge.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/RbaLPSaSjN">https://t.co/RbaLPSaSjN</a><br><br>We haven’t received any reports on this in Pasco but we merely want to share this warning that law enforcement agencies from several countries are putting out. We want to remind parents to always be aware of what their kids are doing on social media.<br><br>RT.</p>— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PascoSheriff/status/1025129457072447489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Buenos Aires Times reported that the challenge could be linked to the death of a 12-year-old girl from Argentina who appeared to have committed suicide. The police have yet to confirm the link between the challenge and the girl’s death. In case the police make the confirmation, the girl would be the first casualty of the said challenge.
Related Coverage: https://thegoldwater.com/news/32668-Indiana-15-Year-Old-Boy-Severely-Burned-in-Hot-Water-Viral-Challenge
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Momo, le challenge sur WhatsApp fait sa premiere victime <a href="https://t.co/dpKiR6t20Q">https://t.co/dpKiR6t20Q</a></p>— Tarajji_Man (@m_oualid) <a href="https://twitter.com/m_oualid/status/1026000792162058240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Related Coverage: https://thegoldwater.com/news/15985-Teens-Are-Eating-Detergent-in-the-Latest-Stupid-Social-Media-Challenge
The challenge is gaining followers because it seems to be passing around through WhatsApp and Facebook. The authorities have yet to establish the perpetrators’ motive. But whatever it is, it is certainly not only irresponsible but sick and dangerous as well.
Parents and adults are also taking to social media to warn kids about the reckless challenge.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can’t see where it keeps its brain”. - Mr Weasley<br>Come on kids, don’t be stupid. Watch some horror movies and realize this isn’t a good idea 13 Sins and Nerve are two prime examples. <a href="https://t.co/QhndIfkDdX">https://t.co/QhndIfkDdX</a></p>— Debbie (@deb_foster_) <a href="https://twitter.com/deb_foster_/status/1025158603701936128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Parents: time to really take care of your kids!!!!!! Parenthood is not just giving a cellphone, buying fancy clothes and feeding them!!!! OPEN YOUR EYES!!!!!!</p>— YUNUHEN (@_YUNUHEN_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_YUNUHEN_/status/1025966298373791744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EVIL PEOPLE</p>— 3ChicsPolitico (@3ChicsPolitico) <a href="https://twitter.com/3ChicsPolitico/status/1025968612018987014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Source:
Twitter: #MAGA #KeepAmericaGreat! #InternetChallenge #MomoChallenge #DangersofInternetChallenges #CrazyFad #WarningtoParents
