When you search for the words "Chromebook challenge" on TikTok, the social network returns (not always) a message warning the user that "some online challenges can be dangerous, disturbing, or even fabricated. Learn to recognize them to protect your health and well-being." A page, localized in French, provides safety advice on online challenges.
A stupid challenge that can have very serious consequences
Cases of Chromebook fires have been reported in several American schools, which often provide ChromeOS computers to their students. School districts have sent letters to parents to warn them of this potentially very dangerous trend. This involves inserting objects (pencils, scissors, etc.) into the USB ports of the machines, which ends up short-circuiting them.
This stupid "challenge" prompted evacuations and emergency services. In Connecticut, a schoolboy inserted scissors into his computer, causing smoke. The incident resulted in one of the students being hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The perpetrator will face criminal charges and be referred to juvenile court.
TikTok said that "Chromebook challenges" exist on other platforms. But young people are predominantly on TikTok. And this isn't the first time this kind of dangerous challenge has originated on the social network.
Source: ArsTechnica
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