Vienna. Dangerous challenges and demonstrations, which are increasing day by day on social media, continue to hurt young people, children and families. Young people and children who risk their lives to look cool, prove their courage or experience adrenaline do not forget to post videos on social media.
Footage of the moment of the accident, which had a shocking impact in Austria and was recorded moment by moment by young people, continues to spread on social media. According to information obtained from the authorities, four young people, two Czech (17, 18) and two Austrian (13, 16) were “surfing” on the U4 subway on Tuesday. As a result, a serious accident occurred. Two of them crashed into a pedestrian bridge with all their force and were seriously injured. A video of the crazy act recorded by one of the boys during the trip is currently circulating on the internet. The video shows the final seconds before the dramatic incident.
As seen in the video, the young people manage to lie face down in time at the first subway station, but here it is noticed that they are only a few centimeters away from disaster. The dramatic accident occurs at the next subway station. “Run, run, run,” one of the children shouts shortly after. Then there is a collision… While the two Viennese save themselves, their friends are seriously injured. In the video, one of the young men has a nosebleed and appears to be unconscious.
The condition of two young people is “critical”
In a statement on Wednesday, AKH announced that the 18-year-old Czech’s life remains in danger. Meidling Accident Hospital (AUVA trauma center) also announced that the condition of the 17-year-old Czech was “critical”.
On this occasion, we would like to emphasize once again the danger of such actions!
Wiener Linien Spokesperson made a statement and said: “We urge you to avoid such reckless and life-threatening actions. “No TikTok video, no courage test, or selfie in the world is worth climbing on a subway or tram and risking your life,” he said. And he emphasized: “Anyone who notices a dangerous situation should immediately activate the emergency call systems on the vehicles or on the platform.”
2024-10-31 15:57:00
Interview: The Dangers of Social Media Challenges and Youth Culture
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, and thank you for taking the time to join us today. We’re currently grappling with a disturbing trend among young people: the rise of dangerous social media challenges that put lives at risk. To discuss this issue, we have Dr. Emilie Schmidt, a psychologist specializing in adolescent behavior and social media impact. Dr. Schmidt, what can you tell us about the recent incident in Austria where young people were injured while “surfing” on a subway?
Dr. Emilie Schmidt: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. This incident is indeed alarming and reflects a broader pattern we are seeing in youth behavior today. Many young people are engaging in high-risk activities to prove their bravery or to gain social media recognition. The adrenaline rush they seek can lead to poor decision-making, as they often underestimate the real dangers involved.
Interviewer: In the case of the incident you mentioned, young people recorded their actions, seemingly not fully aware of the consequences. What role does social media play in influencing these behaviors?
Dr. Emilie Schmidt: Social media has a profound influence on youth culture. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram often glorify reckless behavior, presenting it as entertainment. This can create a sense of competition among peers to engage in similarly dangerous stunts. The desire for likes, shares, and recognition can overshadow rational thinking, leading to tragic outcomes such as this one.
Interviewer: This incident involved two Czech and two Austrian youths, ranging from ages 13 to 18. How susceptible are adolescents to these types of challenges, and what can be done to mitigate these risks?
Dr. Emilie Schmidt: Adolescence is a time when individuals are particularly susceptible to peer pressure and prone to risky behavior due to developmental factors. They are still figuring out their identities, and engaging in thrilling activities can provide a temporary sense of belonging or validation. To mitigate these risks, we must increase awareness among parents, educators, and the youths themselves about the potential dangers of such activities. Educational programs that focus on critical thinking and the long-term consequences of their actions can be very beneficial.
Interviewer: The video footage of this incident has gone viral, which raises questions about the ethics of sharing such content. What responsibility do social media platforms have in this context?
Dr. Emilie Schmidt: Social media platforms hold a significant responsibility to monitor content that can incite dangerous behavior. They should consider implementing stricter guidelines for content moderation to prevent the spread of videos that glorify risky actions. Additionally, educating users about the consequences of such behaviors, rather than just promoting them for views, is crucial. Platforms should also acknowledge their role in the broader societal conversation about mental health and youth safety.
Interviewer: Given the visibility of these incidents, what message should we convey to young people about the allure of such challenges?
Dr. Emilie Schmidt: I believe it’s essential for us to communicate that while seeking thrills is a natural part of growing up, there are safe ways to do so. Encouraging participation in organized sports or adventurous activities that offer controlled environments can satisfy their desire for adrenaline without putting them at risk. Ultimately, fostering an understanding of self-worth that isn’t tied to social media validation is key to breaking this cycle.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s vital that we continue to engage in conversations about youth behavior and the impact of social media. Your expertise is greatly appreciated.
Dr. Emilie Schmidt: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep this dialogue ongoing, as we all have a role to play in ensuring the safety of our youth.