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By SARAH SCHANDL
Staff Writer

A new challenge has erupted on social media and it is extremely dangerous to say the least.

Several teens are participating in the Tide POD challenge. The challenge consists of an individual consuming a Tide POD, filming their reaction and then posting it on social media for the world to see.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers says they have received 86 calls so far this year in relation to the challenge.

“I think the idea of ‘I’m doing something cool’ is also a real motivation for teenagers,”says Seth Wiens, first-year Business-General student.

“In this day and age of participation awards, there aren’t many ways to be different. I think these kids are looking for individual recognition of their individual talents and hitching up to a challenge is a way to say ‘I’m unique.’”

The hashtag #TidePodChallenge is trending on Twitter, and several people are posting memes and making jokes about the challenge, only adding fuel to the fire.

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, located in Bethlehem, Pa., has gone so far as to create a shot called the TIDE POD, consisting of blue Curaçao, Baileys Irish Cream and a Smirnoff Creamsicle Vodka cooler topping.

“The Tide POD challenge is stupid; everyone knows it’s stupid. But because it’s getting picked up by media outlets, government officials and Tide itself, it’s only helping with pushing the trend,” says second-year Game Development student Andy Chiarelli.

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The trend has prompted Tide to tweet, “What should Tide PODS be used for? DOING LAUNDRY. Nothing else. Eating a Tide POD is a BAD IDEA.” The company also urged anyone who attempted the challenge to call poison control or a doctor immediately.

Myssi Graves, a 40-year-old student in the Practical Nursing program, says, “Young people often make poor decisions in the face of peer pressure, insecurity or simply due to their brains still being under construction. It seems completely obvious not to do it, but most people participate in some risky behaviour at some point.”

Second-year Customs-Border Services student Jacob Mencfeld agrees with Graves’ point that everybody does questionable things in the life.

“I bet back in the day people were doing things just as dumb, but there was just no glorification on social media to encourage it,” he says.

The challenge is extremely hazardous to one’s health as it can cause severe burns to the tissues of a person’s eyes, mouth, esophagus, stomach and lungs.

Consuming a Tide POD may also result in shortness of breath, or even death.

Please think before you attempt to eat a Tide POD.

If you or someone you know has consumed a Tide POD, please contact the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800-268-9017 or call your doctor immediately.