George Yang, Author at Goody Feed

For an old man like me, the word “challenge” means a task that’s difficult to overcome, but when overcome, would provide a strong sense of achievement. But for people who grew up with the Internet, a “challenge” is a viral movement to be shown on the Internet for entertainment. Most are harmless, like the 10 Year Challenge, but some are ridiculously dangerous (and stupid), like the Tide Pod Challenge. And now, there’s a new "challenge" on the block, but this time it’s slightly different. Not only is it dangerous and viral, it’s rather…ambiguous. In fact, it’s almost like a blend between a challenge and fake news: both which undeniably have the ingredients to go viral. Here’s what you should know about this so-called “challenge”. First of all: What’s the creepy creature? When it comes to the Momo Challenge, this image immediately comes to your mind: Image: Cnet The creepy doll with a joker’s mouth and bulging eyes is apparently a creation of a Japanese special effects company called Link Factory. Whether it’s a SFX for a movie or not is unknown: it’s just an artwork on display in a horror art gallery back in 2016. The company, and the artist involved, claimed that they’ve absolutely nothing to do with the challenge: in fact, the name of the artwork was called Mother Bird. So, what happened? Reddit Made it Even Creepier Someone decided to post the image on Reddit, and somehow, it went viral for its creepy looks. But it didn’t end there. From there, people started to talk about it, and all of a sudden, the “Momo Challenge” was created. Read on and you’ll understand why the name was changed from Mother Bird to Momo. How it Started Unverified claims state that in mid-2018, a 12-year-old girl was playing a WhatsApp-based horror game called Momo Game that originated from Japan. The game supposedly set objectives for users to complete personal challenges, though it’s unclear how that could be “horror”. The girl was soon found dead by hanging herself, and according to the footage found in her phone, she had filmed herself prior to the suicide. The game was then inspired by Mother Bird. Then nothing happened for eight months until the Reddit thread. Reddit Thread Amplified It So, with the Reddit thread, people started to post unverified claims on social media platforms. Many of them posted it in a rather vaguely worded manner: they merely stated that there’s a “Momo Challenge” whereby kids, after watching a so-called “Momo Challenge” video, would then kill themselves. See the connection now? It doesn’t seem like a fad, but more like a supernatural phenomenon. But people believed it. Including celebrities. Went Viral After Celebrities Posted About It Reddit has lots of users, but it didn’t create such a sensation until celebrities talked about it. Kim Kardashian was one: she posted an Instagram Story, pleading YouTube to help. Image: thisisinsider.com In a claim by a Facebook user, the so-called “Momo Challenge” video is inserted in the middle of YouTube kids videos. YouTube Kids and YouTube are currently in crisis-fighting mode It doesn’t help that YouTube Kids and YouTube are in crisis-fighting mode. Just about a week ago, YouTube experienced another "adpocalypse": a YouTuber claims that if one searches with a certain phrase, the YouTube algorithm would suggest many videos with minors, and in those videos, there are time stamps (from comments) that freeze at the exact moment when the kids are in compromising positions. This led to advertisers temporarily removing their ads from YouTube, and YouTube removing countless channels and users. In addition, it’s also alleged that parents are seeing videos in YouTube Kids that teach kids how to self-harm. In other words, this new “challenge” couldn't have come at a worse time. YouTube’s Response YouTube, unlike Facebook (I’m so looking at you, Facebook), often responds openly when alleged claims like this are made, and so they posted a Tweet to inform people that they’ve not found anything pertaining to Momo Challenge. Lest you can’t read, here’s what they’ve claimed: “We want to clear something up regarding the Momo Challenge: We’ve seen no recent evidence of videos promoting the Momo Challenge on YouTube. Videos encouraging harmful and dangerous challenges are against our policies.” So let’s delve deeper: What is the Momo Challenge? Momo Challenge: The Challenge That Might Not Existed Here’s the thing: you might have seen this kind of advisory online: Today we've heard from hundreds of concerned schools and parents about the horrifying #Momo challenge which has reportedly been appearing in children's YouTube videos, causing panic and upset amongst young people. We hope you find our guide useful... https://t.co/Nuu4cUpBZD pic.twitter.com/t16m8GQ6Vt — National Online Safety (@natonlinesafety) February 26, 2019 So basically, here’s what it states: innocent YouTube videos like an unboxing video or a Minecraft Let’s Play video would have the Momo Challenge footage within them, and YouTubers have created “reaction” videos that show that "scary" it is. In addition, suggested videos based on YouTube algorithm have suggested videos related to the Momo Challenge. According to what is posted online, kids who watched the video would challenge themselves by self-harming. Now, here’s the thing: it’s not verified. And here’s the thing: so far, there’s no confirmed case of any Momo Challenge. Real or Fake? As mentioned, the challenge itself seems…almost like a scene from The Ring. Or Birdbox. Which is why, as of now, there’s no confirmed case of any Momo Challenge. Even for the case that happened last year, it’s not confirmed that it’s due to the Momo Game. However, authorities are taking this opportunity to educate parents on how to ensure that their kids have access only to family-friendly contents. An Urban Legend? A YouTuber who’s known for investigating things on the Internet (no, not Buzzfeed Unsolved), ReignBot, said it best when she proclaimed, “Finding screenshots of interactions with Momo is nearly impossible and you’d think there’d be more for such a supposedly widespread thing.” So, real or not? You’d have to decide yourself. In the meantime, stop scaring yourself: if there’s any case of anyone being affected by the challenge, it’ll be all over the news. Well, it's actually all over the news: for a different reason. Latest Update So far, news outlets are starting to position the Momo Challenge as “fake”. In addition, YouTube has started to demonetise any video pertaining to the Momo Challenge (not the challenge per se, but talks or reactions about it). Some people have called it a “panicky hoax” preying on ignorant parents, and given that Singapore parents are the most kiasu in the world, I’d suggest that you share this article as well. Because after reading all the points, do you really believe that Mother Bird is dangerous? Heck, even the Birdbox Challenge is much more dangerous.

George Yang

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