The shocking death of 14-year old Mumbai schoolboy Manpreet Singh Sahani, who reportedly took his own life as part of a deadly online social media game called The Blue Whale challenge, has raised many questions.Even as Mumbai police investigates Manpreet’s death on July 30 and its link to the game, it has reportedly claimed the lives of over 130 boys and girls across the world so far.
Blue Whale Challenge:
- The Blue Whale challenge, reportedly created by a former convict in Russia.
- It is said to psychologically provoke players to indulge in daring, self-destructive tasks for 50 days.
- Before finally taking the “winning” step of killing themselves and each task must be filmed and shared as “proof”.
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According to experts:
- According to experts, teenagers are more vulnerable.
- Because the virtual world allows them to act freely without the restrictions prevalent in the real world which seems to give them an adrenaline boost.
- Teenagers generally take these risks because they are vulnerable and prone to seek validation.
- Also, it makes them feel like they are a part of something that is bigger than them.
- It has been observed that some teenagers have very low self-esteem, and rely significantly on peer approval.
- For them, the external environment becomes a source of inspiration, which is why they are willing to do anything to (project) a certain image.
- People who are drawn to play such games may themselves be going through psychological issues.
- Like lack of focus, interest, feeling inadequate or incompetent.
- Such individuals are lured towards challenges which give them a sense of purpose while defying the socially accepted norms which they may have failed.
- The victims may have got involved with the game out of curiosity.
- But find themselves being psychologically manipulated into continuing with the tasks, according to the experts.
- Unable to recognise the harm it was causing, or scared to share the details of such games.
- Either due to fear of judgment or lack of support, the victims could become easy targets for continuing the process.
According to reports, 22-year-old Philipp Budeikin, who is believed to the creator of the deadly game. Said in an interview in St Petersburg. That his purpose was to cleanse society by provoking people who think they are not worthy of being alive to commit suicide.
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