Disturbing ‘Fairy Flying’ TikTok Trend Raises Self-Harm Concerns
By Movieguide® Contributor
“Fairy Flying,” the latest viral TikTok trend, is sparking concern due to its eerie resemblance to self-harm and suicide.
“Searching for #fairyflying on TikTok leads to videos featuring disturbing imagery many compare to fake ‘suicide-by-hanging’ videos that seemingly show lifeless, headless bodies swaying in the air,” New York Post recently shared.
One TikTok user posted an 11-second clip where she appeared to be floating in the air, although it is actually an illusion accomplished by standing on a dresser. The video racked up over 3 million views, with many comments from concerned onlookers.
“These videos are shot in a specific manner, giving the illusion that the bodies are hanging in the air. However, the reality is that they are standing on a dresser while their Crocs hang onto a wardrobe,” NDTV.com shared.
Although the people in the videos are not actually hanging, experts are concerned about how much this trend resembles a person attempting suicide.
Child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Josh Stein expressed his concerns about the trend.
”The #fairyflying trend could be triggering or bring about negative emotions for people who have experienced suicidal ideation or have loved ones who’ve attempted or committed suicide,” Stein said.
“Even in its most innocent form, videos that depict people hanging could be disturbing to some. This speaks to one of the major challenges of TikTok and social media—things go live without awareness of potential consequences or warnings.’’
Mental health counselor Alicia Akins also expressed concern, saying, “A person who’s experiencing mental health problems may not think logically, especially a child. They may get an idea that they’ve never thought of by watching these videos.”
Movieguide® frequently discusses the impact social media can have on children. “Many children become obsessed with electronic devices – be it video games or social media. Some wind up in doctor’s offices being prescribed dangerous medications to deal with soul problems. Suicide is the result of a massive bout of soul sickness,” Movieguide® founder Dr. Ted Baehr writes.
Movieguide® previously reported on other dangerous viral TikTok trends:
Tawainna Anderson recently sued the social media giant TikTok over the death of her 10-year-old daughter, Nylah.
After watching TikTok, which boasts over 1 billion users, Nylah imitated a “Blackout Challenge,” going viral on the app.
According to the lawsuit, Nylah hung herself in her mother’s closet, mimicking the videos on TikTok. Although Anderson performed CPR and got her daughter to the hospital, Nylah died five days later.
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