Social media platforms are like another world.
A world that can win everyone over if you let it.
She influences us young people to a very extreme degree and I can understand why she can do that.
Here, young people are among themselves and it doesn't matter what goes wrong in your life.
However, there are more dangers here than we can actually assess.
There are challenges circulating on TikTok - which could also be seen as a test of courage - such as the
"deodorant challenge", the "cinnamon challenge" or the "blackout challenge". What are these challenges?
The "deodorant challenge" could also be called the "burn challenge", as you spray deodorant on your arms and other
parts of your body until you have severe burns on your skin.
The aim of this challenge is: who can hold out the longest?
The principle of the "cinnamon challenge" is simple: you take cinnamon and pour it into your
mouth and down your throat ... and that's it.
In some cases, this challenge leads to unconsciousness and there is also a risk of suffocation.
The "Blackout Challenge", for example, is a challenge where you strangle yourself to the point of unconsciousness.
Many do this because of the click figures, but also because it is supposed to trigger a so-called "kick".
I asked myself: Why do young people do such challenges, why do they do these things to themselves?
Recognition and online attention are important to everyone, aren't they? I mean, who
doesn't want to be admired by lots of people?
Many may not have a solution to their problems, worries or fears - the virtual world offers
distraction and probably also a certain escape.
I also have my worries and problems. My best experience is to stay in the real world and
address and solve things in the real world.
What helps me is also talking to my parents.
This is my appeal to you and your parents: talk to each other, help each other and be open with each other!