5 most deadly TikTok challenges that one should never try

From asphyxiation to lighting sanitised hands on fire, TikTokers have done it all. But should you? If there were ever an 'America's Got Talent' social media version, it would be on TikTok. After all, people there are already using social media apps as the competing grounds for being able to ace one trend after another. From the Orange Peel Theory to the Tide Pod challenge, content creators have tried every easy and difficult challenge for a few views.

While many might not accept, this comes from a place of seeking validation, more than gaining views. And in the midst of it all, you unknowingly sacrifice your life. Omega Law Group, a California-based personal injury firm, conducted a study to analyse how young people are adversely affected by social media use. The study found the blackout challenge to be the deadliest of all, having killed over 100 people to date. What's alarming is that about 32% of TikTok users are between the ages of 13 and 24, as per an analysis of the January 2025 DataReportal study. This means that teens whose prefrontal cortexes are not fully developed yet, drown in the river of peer pressure to perform these challenges. As for the adults, the thrill of 'trying it out' outweighs the risks.Here are 5 of the deadliest TikTok challenges that you should never try.

Not just a trip to the ER, this challenge could lead you to death. Popular among 10-14-year-olds, the challenge involves depriving oneself of oxygen to be able to reach a "euphoric" state of mind. Omega Law termed the stunt "extremely dangerous" causing problems such as bloodshot eyes, brain damage and even death. Till now, about 100 people have died from trying the challenge, according to the law firm.

From everything you could try eating for a challenge, a Tide Pod is obviously not edible. But for the thrill seekers on TikTok, who see everyone trying this out, no repercussions come to the mind. The challenge involves eating a Tide pod and is popular among tweens and early teens. It has caused chemical burns, seizures, breathing difficulties and over 71% cases of poisoning.“Between 2016 and 2020, study data confirms 35,000 emergency room visits (after which hospitalisation was required in 12.5% of cases) for under-18 Tide Pod Challenge participants,” wrote Omega Law.

First going viral in 2021, the Milk Crate challenge seems easy. All you have to do is traverse a pyramid of milk crates as if climbing something. However, this hare-brained practice has led to about 8,107 emergency-room-treated injuries during 2020-2021. Most popular among 15-18 year olds, the challenge has led to concussions, broken bones and even paralysis.“In the majority of cases, injuries are caused by falling off the crates (32%), hitting the crates without falling (23%), or tripping over the crates (12.9%),” wrote the law firm.

This one went viral on Instagram as well and has created a burning ruckus on both apps. Popular among the entire age group using these apps, it involves rubbing one's hands with sanitiser or alcohol and then setting them on fire, before extinguishing the flame with water quickly. Everyone wants to be a "Ghost-Rider" but that was a movie. Those who have tried the challenge have faced severe burn injuries, scarring their hands for life. In 2023, a teen in Arizona faced burns over half of his body while trying the fireball challenge. In this, youngsters try to ignite rubbing alcohol to create a makeshift Molotov cocktail.

One of the most insidious stunts on the internet, this involves taking 12-14 Benadryl tablets to induce hallucinations. That is six times the recommended dose and consuming this antihistamine has caused seizures, heart problems and even death. The firm stated the practice resulted in the hospitalisation of many youngsters. Meanwhile, in 2023, a 13-year-old boy from Ohio died after trying the stunt, prompting TikTok to make a statement.

There is nothing wrong with trying new things out and experimenting with your capabilities. However, there has to be a defined line between what is safe and what is not. Not every challenge is meant to be accepted and views can come from doing any other task as well. In the trying times of youngsters tackling spaces like the "manosphere", feelings like loneliness and identity crisis, it is vital to be aware of what they are doing on social media. From following them on the apps to exercising parental control, there can be tons of amicable ways of intervening in order to protect them from unfortunate instances like death.