The “blackout challenge,” also known as the “choking game” or “pass-out challenge,” is a dangerous online trend that encourages participants to intentionally asphyxiate themselves until they lose consciousness. This act of self-strangulation, or encouraging others to do so, is presented as a challenge to experience a brief high or altered state of consciousness. An example would involve a participant using a rope or belt to cut off airflow to the brain until they faint, often filming the act for sharing online.
Understanding the potentially fatal consequences of this activity is paramount. The deprivation of oxygen to the brain can lead to severe brain damage, seizures, coma, and even death. Historically, variations of this dangerous behavior have circulated offline for years, but the rise of social media platforms has amplified its reach and visibility, particularly among young people. The viral nature of online challenges contributes to peer pressure and normalization, increasing the risk of participation.
