A Hellscape of Unsavory Experiences
Apr. 3rd, 2019 10:40 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rynlingThe bogus “Momo challenge” internet hoax, explained
https://www.vox.com/2019/3/3/18248783/momo-challenge-hoax-explained
I'm teaching a class about demonic women in contemporary Gothic fiction this semester, and some of my students are obsessed with the Momo Challenge. I have vague memories of the Blue Whale Challenge from an old group conversation on WhatsApp, but I didn't pay any attention to it then, so it's been interesting to watch this urban legend spread and develop in real time.
By the way, maybe this is just me being weird, but I think Momo is actually kind of cute.
https://www.vox.com/2019/3/3/18248783/momo-challenge-hoax-explained
A flurry of TV reports, along with both local and national news, began breathlessly advising parents on ways to "protect kids from a disturbing internet game." Lost in any coverage, however, were any examples of the authenticated versions of the Momo challenge, including screenshots of "threatening messages" or confirmed videos promoting violence.
It shouldn't be too surprising that a viral urban legend (and likely hoax) targeting kids would be able to sweep the globe. The internet can be a hellscape of unsavory experiences for anyone; parents face the added challenge of wrestling with how to adequately protect their kids without being overbearing. Indeed, inappropriate content often does make it past automated platform security and monitors — just look at YouTube's persistent struggle with combating child exploitation, online bullying, or extremist conspiracies.
It shouldn't be too surprising that a viral urban legend (and likely hoax) targeting kids would be able to sweep the globe. The internet can be a hellscape of unsavory experiences for anyone; parents face the added challenge of wrestling with how to adequately protect their kids without being overbearing. Indeed, inappropriate content often does make it past automated platform security and monitors — just look at YouTube's persistent struggle with combating child exploitation, online bullying, or extremist conspiracies.
I'm teaching a class about demonic women in contemporary Gothic fiction this semester, and some of my students are obsessed with the Momo Challenge. I have vague memories of the Blue Whale Challenge from an old group conversation on WhatsApp, but I didn't pay any attention to it then, so it's been interesting to watch this urban legend spread and develop in real time.
By the way, maybe this is just me being weird, but I think Momo is actually kind of cute.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-03 03:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-04-03 07:02 pm (UTC)waifu 101demonic women in contemporary gothic fiction class of yours