We live in a world where the pursuit of viral fame is often prioritized over safety. To many influencers, that’s instant cash that could enable them to create more content. From consuming toxic substances to poses that could lead to serious medical injuries, here are the 9 most unhinged influencer trends ever made.
9. Chromebook Challenge
This trend is mostly carried out by students, who insert items such as metal or mechanical pencil lead into Chromebook electrical ports. This may cause a fire or produce smoke in devices. Inserting foreign objects into a Chromebook can actually damage its lithium battery, potentially causing a fire and releasing toxic smoke.
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8. Salt Challenge
This dangerous salt challenge involves hiding a spoonful of salt in food to prank someone. However, doing so in large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Worst of all, when your body absorbs this, it may cause brain swelling and seizures.
7. One Chip Challenge
This challenge involves Paqui, a tortilla chip brand known for its spicy offerings. As for the challenge, participants must eat one Paqui Carolina Reaper chip, which is actually sold individually. However, an accident involving a 14-year-old boy died on the same day after attempting the challenge.
6. Hanging from Moving Trains
One tourist took a picture of themselves hanging from one of the blue trains in Sri Lanka. This followed a number of tourists attempting to get the same shot, until influencers also jumped on this dangerous trend. Many of their followers criticized the trend, urging others not to copy the post.
5. Cinnamon Challenge
Can you even imagine swallowing cinnamon? We’re not talking about the buns, but rather, the powder itself. There’s an internet challenge that involves swallowing ground cinnamon within 60 seconds without taking any liquids. This carries a dangerous health risk since it results in throat irritation, breathing difficulties, or a collapsed lung.
4. Tide Pod Challenge
The Tide Pod challenge began as an internet joke, as detergent pods resemble candy. Unfortunately, this became a dangerous hazard when teens attempted to bite or eat the pods. Laundry pod detergents contain chemicals that are poisonous if ingested. This could cause vomiting and serious poisoning. It can even result in brain damage or organ failure.
3. The Flamingo Pose Balancing Act
This pose is achieved through a single-legged squat, with the legs crossed and balanced in stiletto heels. Just this August 2025, one influencer and “mommy blogger” attempted the challenge weeks after postpartum. She tried balancing a kitchen saucepan and a canister of baby formula on her countertop while wearing stilettos. She fell backwards after and suffered a medical emergency involving a fracture of her spine with Th9 compression bending.
2. Boiling Water Challenge
Believe it or not, this challenge made participants pour scalding water into the air under freezing temperatures. As we all know, this will cause them severe burns and long-term skin damage once the water comes into contact with your body.
1. Subway Surfing
Remember the game Subway Surfers? Imagine doing it in real life. This challenge involves riding on top of moving subway cars while being recorded just for social media likes. This dangerous stunt could cause you severe medical injuries and even result in your falling to your death.
