Let’s face it, we all did crazy things when we were younger, but occasionally, it feels like kids and teens these days are way wilder than we ever were. Some parents blame this on the rise of social media and the crazy challenges that appeared online. And various websites ask the same question “Is There A Stupid Social Media Challenge You Won’t Try?”
In the past years, there were many dumb trends and challenges that came out of TikTok that made adults question the interests of kids and teenagers these days. Who could forget nasal spray tans, the face wax challenge, the Orbeez challenge, the salt and ice challenge, and the Devious lick?
To make matters worse, the latest TikTok challenge could send young TikTokers to jail for a long time, destroying the lives of kids. On the other hand, car owners could temporarily lose their property or, even worse, find it vandalized. According to CNBC, the newest viral TikTok challenge is seeing young teens steal certain vehicles like Kia and Hyundai using a USB cord.
Theft Of Korean Cars: These Are The Targeted Cars
By now, most American consumers saw the news of the stolen Kia cars. But it’s not just Kia owners that felt victim to this dumb trend. Teens also target Hyundai vehicles. According to ABC7, the latest TikTok hype-dubbed "Kia Boyz"- motivates teens to break in and steal Hyundai and Kia vehicles. On the positive side, it’s not every Hyundai and Kia models, but mostly vehicles sold between 2010 and 2021 that use a mechanical-key. According to CNBC, teens and young adults steal these vehicles with a USB cord.
"For the community, the challenge of owning one of these vehicles, we're asking that you purchase a steering wheel lock," said LAPD Chief Michel Moore. "You can also install an alarm system. The steering wheel lock will offer both a visual and physical deterrent from someone trying to break your glass and into your vehicle.”
This Is How Many Cars The TikTokers Stole
Unfortunately, the social media challenge that was first popularized in 2021 gained momentum this year. In Los Angeles, the trend led to an 85 percent rise in car theft, according to Moore. Meanwhile, in St. Petersburg, Florida, police officers connected over a third of vehicle thefts in the city since mid-July to the TikTok challenge. The situation is even worse in Chicago, where according to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, “[thefts of certain models are] up over 800% in the last month.”
“The viral nature of how this has taken off on social media — it's accelerated this like we've never seen,” Dart told CNBC. “[The perpetrators are] doing it in 20 to 30 seconds. It literally is as old-fashioned as you can imagine.”
To make matters worse, the stolen cars are being used “for joyrides, or used to commit other crimes and then abandoned on the side of the road.”
CNBC reports Kia is already offering steering free wheel lock devices to law enforcement officials in affected areas.
Theft Of Korean Cars: This Is How You Can Protect Your Car
Car owners scared of having their vehicles vandalized or stolen should keep their automobiles locked and parked in a closed garage or secure location. If that is not possible, they should invest in an immobilizer or a steering wheel lock. Furthermore, drivers and passengers who have Kia and Hyundai cars should not leave any valuables inside their vehicle. Also, Kia and Hyundai owners should contact their dealership and discuss potential solutions.
Other Dumb TikTok Challenges That Vandalized Cars
Back in 2021, another brainless TikTok challenge emerged that destroyed private property and infuriated car owners. Fox 19 reported that teens took part in a social media challenge where they “drive by and throw a slice of cheese out of the window onto a car and take off.” While this might sound innocent, it is actually an expensive nightmare for car owners because the cheese damages the paint of the vehicle. Local media channels reported about another dumb TikTok trend called Lug Nut Challenge that happened in Ohio Valley. The social media challenge encourages teens to loosen the lug nuts on vehicles.
“We did some research and found out there is a TikTok Challenge out there with lug nuts where people are actually loosening the lug nuts on the vehicles and putting the driver in a very dangerous situation,” said Kevin Cook, General Manager Straub Automotive Group.
Other social media posts show teens crashing their parents' and caregivers' cars just for fun or because they want to get likes and online validation. If users type “kid crashes moms car” on TikTok, they discover the posts have 734.1 million views.