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video, after a Russian influencer fractured her spine attempting it. Learn about the trend and Minaj's reaction.">
A dangerous social media trend inspired by Nicki Minaj’s 2012 music video “High School” has prompted a response from the rapper herself, following a serious injury sustained by a participant.The challenge,which involves attempting a precarious balancing pose,gained traction on TikTok over the past few weeks,with users mimicking a scene from Minaj’s video featuring Lil Wayne.
The Challenge and Rising Safety Concerns
The viral trend centers around recreating a pose from Minaj’s “High School” video,where she balances while leaning back. participants have attempted the stunt in increasingly risky locations and using unstable objects,including dumbbells,Jenga blocks,and even household items like mailboxes and nail polish bottles. The trend’s popularity surged after celebrities like Ciara, porsha Williams of “the Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and Angela Simmons posted their attempts.
However, the challenge took a concerning turn when Russian influencer Mariana Barutkina, 31, suffered a spinal fracture while attempting the pose on August 4th, 2024. Barutkina was balancing on a saucepan stacked on a tub of baby formula when the incident occurred, just eight weeks after giving birth, according to Complex.She documented the incident on social media, expressing a philosophical outlook on the accident.
Did You Know? Spinal fractures can lead to long-term complications, including chronic pain, nerve damage, and mobility issues.The American Association of Neurological Surgeons estimates that approximately 170,000 spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States.
Nicki Minaj’s Response and Future Plans
nicki Minaj addressed the challenge on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, posting a video of herself attempting the pose while holding onto a pole. She acknowledged the difficulty and potential risks, noting her Chanel dress was shorter than anticipated and the thong offered little support. She emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “Both feet on the ground, [though]. Ten toes.”
Minaj then announced her intention to recreate the pose in a more appropriate outfit, promising a safer exhibition for her fans, known as the Barbz. Responding to criticism that her initial attempt didn’t fully embody the challenge, Minaj tweeted, “They think they [are] peer pressuring me? … And when I post the real one, it’s gon’ be private, so only the non-freaks can view it.” This tweet was posted on X (formerly Twitter) on August 6th, 2024, as reported by X.
The Song’s Resurgence and Origins
“High School,” originally released in 2012 on minaj’s album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded the Re-Up, experienced a renewed surge in popularity due to the TikTok challenge.The song, featuring Lil Wayne, has seen a 35% increase in streams across major platforms since the challenge began, according to data from Luminate.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Song “High School” Released | November 2012 |
| TikTok Challenge Begins | Late July 2024 |
| Influencer Mariana Barutkina Injured | August 4,2024 |
| Nicki Minaj’s Initial Response | August 6,2024 |
Pro Tip: Before participating in any social media challenge,assess the potential risks and prioritize your safety. Consider the habitat, your physical capabilities, and the potential consequences of failure.
What are your thoughts on the dangers of viral challenges? Do you think social media platforms should do more to regulate perhaps harmful trends?
Viral challenges have become a ubiquitous part of internet culture, dating back to the early days of social media. The Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, which raised over $220 million for ALS research, demonstrated the potential for positive impact. Though, many challenges have also resulted in injuries and even fatalities. The Tide Pod Challenge in 2018,which involved teenagers consuming laundry detergent pods,led to numerous hospitalizations and warnings from health officials. The inherent risk lies in the pressure to participate and the desire for social media validation, often overriding rational judgment.
The psychology behind viral challenges is complex, involving elements of social conformity, risk-taking behaviour, and the pursuit of attention. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that individuals are more likely to participate in challenges when they perceive them as popular and when they believe their peers are also participating. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and responsible online behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ‘High School’ Challenge
- What is the ‘High School’ challenge? The ‘High School’ challenge is a TikTok trend inspired by a pose in Nicki minaj’s 2012 music video for the song “High School,” involving attempting a precarious balancing act.
- Is the ‘High School’ challenge dangerous? Yes, the challenge has proven dangerous, with one influencer fracturing her spine while attempting it. The risk of injury is high due to the unstable nature of the pose and the objects people are using.
- What has Nicki Minaj said about the challenge? Nicki Minaj has acknowledged the challenge and expressed concern for safety, promising to demonstrate a safer version of the pose.
- Where did the ‘High School’ song originally appear? The song “High School” featuring Lil Wayne, was originally released in 2012 on Nicki Minaj’s album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded The Re-Up.
- What are the potential consequences of participating in dangerous viral challenges? Potential consequences include sprains, fractures, head injuries, and even more severe health complications.
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