Young New Zealanders dies in dangerous social media challenge

Young New Zealanders dies in dangerous social media challenge

Palmerston North, Neuseeland - A tragic incident in New Zealand has directed the risks of social media challenges. 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died after a serious head injury that he suffered during the "Run It Straight" challenge. The incident occurred in Palmerston North, where Ryan took part in the dangerous game without protective equipment. This challenge, in which two people run frontally at full speed, has its origin in Australia, where it is known as part of the Runit Championship League. Sports such as rugby, NFL and AFL play an inspiring role here, but the popularity of the game has increased significantly through social media. Sächsische.de was taken to the hospital, where his parents finally had to make the serious decision to switch off the life -supporting machines.

Manawatū police commander Inspector Ross Grantham said that Satterthwaite's death was due to participation in a “social media craze”. The interest in such challenges that often result in viral success captivates many young people in particular. For a long time, the game "Run IT Straight" has been played in both Australia and New Zealand, but has recently gained popularity. Videos of this game have achieved millions of calls on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram and inspire others to also participate in it without recognizing the serious risks of the game. ITV indicates that some professional rugby players support the challenge despite the warnings of head injuries.

The dangers of the "Run It Straight" Challenge

The risk of injury associated with this activity is strongly criticized by neuroscientists and specialists for brain injuries. Participants can suffer serious health problems that range from brain bleeding to the brain swelling to diffuse axonal injuries. A recent event in Auckland, which attracted over 1,000 spectators, had to be stopped due to the "overwhelming concerns" regarding the high risks that such a challenge entails. ITV reports a participant after a collision, which suffers further questions about the certainty of such events.

The discussion about the dangers of social media challenges is not new. According to Online Safety.GV.at spend more than two hours a day in social media and are therefore increased an increased risk of imitations. Many of these challenges are more harmless, but also supposedly risk -risk activities can result in dangerous situations if they are carried out in risky places. Experts recommend that parents speak openly with their children about such challenges and find ways to educate them about the potential dangers.

psychologists often explain the risk behavior of young people through the inadequate development of the brain in terms of impulse control and risk assessment. Participation in challenges such as the "Run It Straight" challenge is often associated with the desire for social recognition and the pursuit of viral success. In view of the tragic consequences of Ryan's death, experts require more information about the dangers of such challenges and faster reactions from platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to better protect users.