12 Strange Internet Challenges That Went Too Far

Viral challenges on the internet range in nature; some of them have gone too far and resulted in damage. While some were meant to entertain, others pushed limits and faced perilous results. Here are unusual internet issues that took a sinister turn and underline the need for online safety.

Tricia Quitales
March 11, 2025
4 min read

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While many viral challenges have surfaced online, not all of them are innocuous amusement. Many challenges followed from fashionable or amusing beginnings, spiraling out of control and resulting in injuries, or even death. From extreme acts to careless challenges, these challenges revealed the darker side of social media life. This article looks at 12 of the most bizarre and dangerous internet challenges that went too far as a caution to anyone who might be convinced to participate in.

1. The Tide Pod Challenge

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Teenagers bit into laundry pods for the Tide Pod Challenge and then uploaded videos of themselves doing so. The chemicals within the pods can induce poisoning, suffocation, and serious burns, so the challenge was dangerous. Some engaged despite warnings, which resulted in multiple hospitalizations.

2. The Fire Challenge

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Often using flammable liquids, participants of this challenge set themselves on fire to produce a dramatic video. Many people received severe injuries; the risk of major burns and lifelong scars was very great. Authorities rapidly issued warnings about the great risk this challenge presents.

3. The Cinnamon Challenge

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Under the Cinnamon Challenge, participants tried to consume a teaspoon of cinnamon without drinking water. The discomfort of swallowing the powder led to coughing, trouble with breathing, and possibly lung damage. This simple yet risky challenge landed many in the ER.

4. The Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge

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People had to suck on a bottle or glass to generate suction, which would cause their lips to swell abnormally. Although some felt it was just harmless fun, it resulted in swelling of the lips, bruises, and occasional permanent scars. Health experts started to worry about the risks of do-it-yourself cosmetic treatments.

5. The Knockout Game

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This challenge to randomly strike strangers to knock them out with one hit is known as the Knockout Game. Many of the victims suffered major injuries or perhaps death from this aggressive challenge. With quick propagation on social media, this risky trend sparked public indignation.

6. The Choking Game

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Participants in the Choking Game choked either others or themselves to get a fleeting high from oxygen deprivation. Because of the risk of suffocation, this challenge also referred to as the “pass-out challenge, caused multiple deaths. Authorities tried to spread knowledge of the risks of the game, but it kept killing people.

7. The Castorly Stock Challenge

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In this challenge, participants put salt on their skin and then pushed ice on it, generating strong burning sensations. Although it was meant to hurt for a few seconds, it caused significant burns and skin damage. Many people came out of this careless challenge with lifelong wounds.

8. The Baby Food Challenge

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With participants often blindfolded, this challenge made them eat baby food without using their hands. The unpleasant aspect of the challenge caused some people to overindulge in food or choke on it. It also brought questions about the proliferation of outrageous internet conduct.

9. The A4 Waist Challenge

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Measuring one’s waist using an A4 piece of paper was the task for challengers to see if the paper could wrap around their waist. Though it was popular among those striving for unattainable body ideals, it resulted in bad eating habits and even eating disorders. Critics said it degraded mental health and encouraged body shaming.

10. The Running Man Challenge

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Although this challenge itself wasn’t particularly perilous, participants filmed themselves dancing while sprinting across crowded streets and highways. Many people suffered trying the dance in dangerous areas, and the risk of automobile strikes was great. The danger soon took over, overshadowing the fun.

11. The Benadryl Challenge

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To get hallucinations, participants in the Benadryl Challenge tried to swallow significant doses of Benadryl. Due to overdosing, this risky challenge resulted in multiple hospitalizations and even death. Professionals warned people about the risk of toxicity and mental health problems brought on by drug abuse.

12. The Momo Challenge

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Allegedly encouraging self-harm and harmful acts via social media, the Momo Challenge was a frightening internet hoax. Many parents were terrified by the eerie nature connected with the challenge, which also caused worry about online security. Although the difficulty could have been overdone, it brought attention to the possibility of harmful materials proliferating the internet.