WTF Is The Momo Challenge?!
There's a new viral "game" called the Momo Challenge.
It's reportedly connected to several international teen suicides.
Unless you've been living under a very large rock, you've seen this freaky AF face clogging up your Instagram feed, terrifying you on Twitter, and maybe even hiding in your DMs only to pop out and scare the hell out of you. Welcome to the Momo Challenge.
If you're wondering WTF is going on with this weird Internet "game", here's everything you need to know...
What is the Momo challenge?
According to reports, the Momo challenge is a form of cyberbullying on social media platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube.
How does the Momo challenge work?
If you search for a special phone number online, and send that number a text or Whatsapp message, then you'll start receiving messages tied to pictures of a creepy-looking creature called “Momo” who was actually created by a Japanese special effects company. The messages include violent prompts about stabbing people, taking pills, and even killing yourself.
Is the Momo challenge a new thing?
Not really. The Momo challenge made headlines in 2018 when a 12-year-old Argentinian girl reportedly died by suicide because of the "Momo Game" she had been playing. Authorities in Buenos Aires never confirmed whether or not the girl’s suicide was actually connected to the online game.
Then, other reports from India and Colombia started to trickle in about teens allegedly killing themselves because of the game.
News of the threatening challenge has continued into 2019 after Free Hess, a Florida mother, told CNN that she saw videos on YouTube and YouTube Kids that gave children instructions on how to kill themselves.
"It makes me angry and sad and frustrated," Hess told CNN on February 25th. "I'm a pediatrician, and I'm seeing more and more kids coming in with self harm and suicide attempts. I don't doubt that social media and things such as this is contributing."
Is it a hoax?
Since the connection between the viral "challenge" and the reported deaths is fairly thin, people have begun to wonder if the whole thing is, in fact, a hoax. According to Snopes, there's a chance that it is. "Word of the Momo challenge is now so widespread that whether or not it represents a real threat, the subject has generated rumors that in themselves can be cause for concern among children," they said.
Are celebs aware of it?
Yes, even celebrities are weighing in on the Momo challenge. Kim Kardashian reposted a bunch of messages from concerned parents. She included the words "@youtube please help" on the posts.
Riverdale star Lili Reinhart also voiced her opinion on Momo challenge. She tweeted: "I clicked on the trend 'momo' and now I’m f*cking terrified. Looks like I won’t be sleeping or going to pee alone in the middle of the night." Then, she followed up that tweet with another one, saying: “Babe I clicked on a scary meme, please come home.” This tweet was likely aimed at rumored boyfriend and co-star Cole Sprouse.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or visit their website.
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