A teenager from North Carolina has suffered burns to 75% of his body after attempting a TikTok challenge. Mason Dark, 16, was attempting a challenge that involved spraying a highly inflammable paint aerosol into a lighter when the can exploded, setting him on fire. Dark’s family heard a “big boom” and rushed to help him as he jumped into a river to extinguish the flames, but he had already sustained severe burns. He was taken to the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill, where doctors discovered that the vast majority of his body was covered in third-degree burns.
According to Dark’s mother, Holli Dark, her son is now “unrecognizable” due to the extent of his burns. The teenager, an avid football player, is set to be in the burn unit for six months and has undergone his first of many surgeries. His family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover medical bills and other expenses needed to aid Dark’s recovery, which has so far raised $20,000 of their $25,000 goal.
TikTok challenges have become increasingly popular among young people, and while many are harmless, others can be dangerous and even deadly. Several people have been injured or killed in recent years while attempting hazardous stunts for social media. In response, TikTok has introduced measures to curb dangerous content on its platform, including warning labels on potentially dangerous videos and removing content that violates its policies. However, it is up to users to exercise caution and make safe choices when engaging in challenges.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of social media challenges and the importance of caution and responsibility when using online platforms. Parents and guardians should monitor their children’s social media use and educate them on the potential risks associated with these challenges. Meanwhile, social media platforms are responsible for preventing dangerous content from spreading and ensuring their users’ safety.
