Summer Social Media Challenges Pose Risks for Youth and Homeowners
As summer unfolds and schools are out, numerous risky trends on social media are ensnaring youths and, by extension, homeowners. Two particularly alarming challenges gaining traction online are the “UrbanEx” (urban exploration) challenge and the “door-kicking challenge.”
“Trends seem to emerge daily,” noted Titania Jordan, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Parent Officer at Bark Technologies, a parental control platform. She emphasized the issue of young users, especially those under 13 who are legally restricted from social media, generating potentially harmful content. “Scrolling through the For You Page, one can easily find that many of these viral trends are led by children,” she stated.
These social media challenges often incite users to create content designed to provoke reactions, as Jordan explained. The virality is further boosted by social media algorithms that continuously circulate this stimulating content.
Law enforcement across the United States has issued advisories regarding these perilous trends. The urban exploration challenge encourages participants to venture into abandoned buildings, while the door-kicking challenge involves individuals forcibly kicking in doors at random homes.
Although the door-kicking challenge has circulated for years, law enforcement agencies are reporting a resurgence, especially this summer. Recently, police in Byesville, Ohio, have begun investigating four incidents linked to this challenge. “Reports of doors being vandalized were received in the late night hours,” the Byesville Police Department announced via Facebook. “Individuals are not entering homes but merely kicking doors and fleeing.”
Investigators are gathering evidence, including video footage from the incidents. Byesville Police Chief Daulton Dolan expressed deep concerns about the potential for violence resulting from such pranks. “In states like Ohio, with stand-your-ground laws, homeowners may feel threatened and take lethal action if someone kicks in their door during the night,” he explained.
Despite the somewhat harmless background of pranks like “ding dong ditch,” Dolan pointed out that today’s actions could lead to serious repercussions. “The real risk is not just legal trouble; it could affect someone’s life,” he asserted.
Moreover, if a person enters a home—albeit unintentionally—by kicking a door, they could face burglary charges, among other consequences. Dolan indicated that homeowners who choose to defend themselves may also face a protracted legal process if they resort to using firearms.
In a separate case, the Fleetwood Police Department in Pennsylvania issued a warning on June 8 concerning a TikTok trend where participants knock or kick doors late at night. They highlighted the serious implications of such reckless behavior, noting the potential for severe repercussions, both for those who participate and for homeowners reacting to perceived threats.
Simultaneously, the UrbanEx trend has led to arrests, as authorities cite trespassing incidents in abandoned properties. Recently, three 18-year-olds were arrested for trespassing in the Houston Astrodome, closed since 2009, after being spotted by security personnel.
Constable Alan Rosen remarked on the dangers of exploring derelict buildings. “Such activities endanger not only the participants but also first responders,” he stated.
Ari Lightman, a digital media professor at Carnegie Mellon University, likened current social media trends to intensified versions of classic childhood games. He questioned the motivations behind such behavior, suggesting that the pursuit of likes leads to dangerous situations.
While some proponents of UrbanEx argue it brings attention to neglected buildings, Jordan pointed out a worrying trend: a lack of empathy and respect among younger generations, stemming from excessive screen time.
To address these issues, she encourages parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about online trends. Establishing dialogues around the potential dangers can foster greater awareness and understanding of such challenges.
Passionate journalist and digital news editor with a keen eye for global affairs and emerging trends. As the founder and lead writer of RSS News US, he is dedicated to delivering accurate, insightful, and engaging content to readers seeking trustworthy news in a fast-paced world.
