Netflix has asked fans of their latest original horror movie – Bird Box – to just say no to participating in the Bird Box Challenge that has begun to grow online. Recent viral challenges have tempted millions of social media users and produced plenty of injuries. The Bird Box Challenge seems to have slow growth and, in fact, more people making fun of the challenge than participating in it. Better safe than sorry, however, and Netflix is doing their best to ward off any accusations of negligence.
The Problem with Social Media Challenges
Around this time last year, the Tide Pod Challenge began as an online joke, daring people to ingest a capsule of Tide laundry detergent. Hundreds of teens intentionally ate the highly concentrated substance and some ended up hospitalized. The poison hotline took thousands of calls regarding the matter.
Procter & Gamble, the makers of Tide, released a public service announcement starring the New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski telling people that the pods are for doing laundry only. When it comes to social media stunts, common sense is often ignored in favor of the number of Likes and Shares you get.
Last summer, the #InMyFeelingsChallenge had people jumping out of their moving vehicle to mimic dance moves created by a fan of the Drake song “In My Feelings.” These attempts at social media fame led to a new form of distracted driving and plenty of injuries. People went viral, but for all the wrong reasons.
Don’t Be Negligent: Use Common Sense
Netflix reported that over 45 million accounts watched Bird Box in the first weekend of its release. It’s safe to say that this challenge will only grow as peoples’ creativity blooms and they test their abilities while wearing a blindfold.
Some people who have completed the challenge have tempted fate, like the driver of a motor vehicle who pulled his hat down over his eyes while driving. One couple put their child in danger when all three of them wore blindfolds and the parents slammed their toddler into a wall as they tried to run through an open door.
On January 2, Netflix posted the following on their Twitter account:
Can’t believe I have to say this, but: PLEASE DO NOT HURT YOURSELVES WITH THIS BIRD BOX CHALLENGE. We don’t know how this started, and we appreciate the love, but Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you not end up in the hospital due to memes.
Bird Box is a movie, not reality. Sandra Bullock had people making sure she wouldn’t get hurt. But you could.
Get Justice for Negligence
Negligence is the basis of most personal injury lawsuits. If you have been involved in a car accident, the victim of medical malpractice, or have lost a loved one to wrongful death, contact Thurswell Law to discuss your case. You may have a claim and the right to compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, therapy, rehabilitation, and lost wages. Call (248) 354-2222 today.
