TikTok Made Me Do It:
Crimes and Stupidity Inspired by Social Media Trends
Listen to the Episode
Episode Summary
Remember when we thought the Cinnamon Challenge was peak internet stupidity?
Those were simpler times.
In this episode of Seriously Sus, Nanette and Miranda dive into the social media trends that made millions of people ask, “What could possibly go wrong?”—and then immediately find out.
From the Cinnamon Challenge and Tide Pods to Devious Licks, the Kia Boys, the Milk Crate Challenge, NyQuil Chicken, and the challenges that turned deadly, we’re exploring what happens when attention becomes more valuable than common sense.
Along the way, we’ll examine:
- How social media rewards risky behavior
- Why people keep chasing viral fame
- The trend that helped fuel a nationwide car theft epidemic
- The challenge that made schools lose actual sinks
- Why gravity remains undefeated
- The internet’s most questionable culinary experiment
- The real-world injuries, arrests, lawsuits, and consequences behind the clicks
We’ll also track our official Internet Was a Mistake Meter™, introduce the Judge Judy Scale™, and attempt the impossible in a special edition of TikTok PR Team.
Somewhere between the emergency room visits, criminal charges, and pharmaceutical poultry, one question remains:
Is social media making people less cautious—or is it simply broadcasting bad decisions faster than ever before?
Head’s up
Trigger warning
Research Citations
We don’t just side-eye; we cite our sources.
Resources and Support
If this episode made you question humanity, lose faith in common sense, or consider deleting social media, you’re not alone.
If you’re ever unsure whether a challenge is safe, consult trusted sources—not influencers.
For parents, educators, and caregivers looking to learn more about social media safety and challenge culture:
- Common Sense Media
https://www.commonsensemedia.org - American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.aap.org - StopBullying.gov
https://www.stopbullying.gov - SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
https://www.samhsa.gov - National Center for Missing & Exploited Children – Online Safety Resources
https://www.missingkids.org - Poison Control (United States)
https://www.poison.org
Call: 1-800-222-1222