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Influencer Slams Challenge Where People Tie Headphones Around Waist

Influencer Slams Challenge Where People Tie Headphones Around Waist

The social media star and journalist shared the video while using the caption section to explain why this ‘trend’ is so problematic

EMS 7

EMS 7

Yet another social media challenge has caused controversy, with one influencer in particular highlighting the latest craze - which sees people tying earphones around their waists to 'prove they are thin'.

Thirty-three-year-old Danae Mercer posted a video to her Instagram account, showing a woman in sports leggings and a cropped cardigan wrapping the device around her waist twice before tying it in a knot.

The social media star and journalist shared the video while using the caption section to explain why this 'trend' is so problematic.

"Let's talk about what's happening over on TikTok," she wrote, adding a trigger warning that her post would relate to 'assault, weight, beliefs' and more.

"Above all else, I want to keep this platform a really happy place. A safe spot in a world that's pretty heavy.

"But when I see eight-year-olds talking about their diets, and 13-year-olds sharing their BMIs.

"When I see 16-year-old males talking about choking and spitting, and little children wrapping iPhone cords around their waists to check their size, I have to talk."

Mercer explained that next week she has a call with TikTok to talk about the issue.

Instagram/Danae Mercer

And while she likes the app as a platform for sharing ideas, she says that 'TikTok deletes accounts of activists' and 'censors marginalised bodies and voices' while allowing 'these kinds of videos' and 'trends' to go on.

The influencer - who is famed for her 'Instagram vs. Reality' content - added: "I left out A LOT of the stuff I've seen or been sent. Mostly because it's little girls, picking apart their bodies, or proving how they match certain body challenge trends.

"As a journalist, I am tired of sitting back and hoping something will change. And as an eating disorder survivor, I'm so greatly concerned."

The Daily Mail reports that the earphones waist challenge first kicked off on Chinese social media platform Weibo in February last year.

It seemed to go viral after one person made a post about challenges relating to body measurements and introduced this particular 'method' of doing so.

After doing the rounds on Weibo, it then jumped over to TikTok, where hundreds of other people have carried out the same trend.

Unsurprisingly, Mercer's post has left a number of her followers in shock, with one writing: "Omg this is so scary!!!!"

Another commented, "This is horrific," while a third added: "I am so disgusted!"

Instagram/Danae Mercer

The reporter concluded by pointing out that she doesn't have the solution yet, but added: "You moms, you sisters, you powerful souls. Be aware and watch out for the ones you love.

"Watch out for yourself."

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Instagram, Influencer, Social Media, TikTok