Blue Whale Challenge
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The term Blue Whale game refers to an alleged trend on Russian-speaking social media linked to an increase in child suicides. The "game" allegedly involves a series of tasks that players must complete, some of which involve self-harm. The final task is suicide. While no deaths have been definitively linked to Blue Whale, there have been photos of self-cutting wounds shared on social media alongside the game's hashtags. The term Blue Whale refers to the phenomenon of beached whales, which is likened to suicide. While the phenomenon appears to be real to an extent, some publications have exaggerated its scope, leading to a moral panic. In addition, it has provided fodder for conspiracy theorists, some of whom claim it is an organized campaign run by Ukrainian nationalists.[1]
Reactions
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In March 2017, authorities in Russia were investigating approximately 130 separate cases of suicide related to the phenomenon.[2] In March 2017, Romanian Minister of Internal Affairs Carmen Dan expressed her deep concerns about the phenomenon.[3] Mayor of Bucharest, Gabriela Firea described the game as "extremely dangerous".[4]
References
- ^ "Teen 'Suicide Games' Send Shudders Through Russian-Speaking World".
- ^ "Cops probe Blue Whale online 'suicide game' after being linked to teen deaths". The Sun. 2017-03-17. Retrieved 2017-04-03.
- ^ Alexandru, Cătălin (28 March 2017). "Carmen Dan: Mă îngrijorează fenomenul "Balena albastră"; nu am stabilit o legătură între joc și cazurile cu care ne-am confruntat". Agerpres (in Romanian). Retrieved 3 April 2017.
- ^ ""Balena Albastră". Carmen Dan şi Gabriela Firea vor face vizite în școlile bucureștene". Digi 24 (in Romanian). 2 April 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
Further reading
- Evon, Dan (27 February 2017). "Was a Game Called 'Blue Whale' Responsible for Dozens of Suicides in Russia?". Snopes.com. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
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