The Choking Game on YouTube: An Update.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Media Studies
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• The choking game (TCG) is a dangerous adolescent activity involving self-asphyxiation for a euphoric effect.
• YouTube hosts a significant amount of TCG content, but its accuracy and impact remain unevaluated.
• TCG can lead to severe outcomes, including seizures and death, necessitating an understanding of online portrayals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the content and characteristics of TCG videos on YouTube.
• To compare engagement metrics (views, ratings, comments) of TCG videos with unrelated content.
• To evaluate the accuracy and representativeness of TCG prevention materials available on YouTube.

Main Methods:

• Content analysis of TCG videos on YouTube, documenting asphyxiation methods and participant injury.
• Comparative analysis of engagement data between TCG videos and a control group of non-TCG videos.
• Qualitative assessment of TCG prevention videos versus actual TCG videos, focusing on social context portrayal.

Main Results:

• TCG videos displayed various asphyxiation techniques, with some showing participant harm.
• TCG videos received significantly fewer comments and positive ratings compared to non-TCG videos.
• Prevention videos misrepresented the social context of TCG compared to actual TCG videos.

Conclusions:

• YouTube provides accessible TCG content, but existing prevention materials are inaccurate and unrepresentative.
• There is a critical need for the development of accurate, educational online resources for TCG prevention.
• Improved online safety materials are essential to reduce the prevalence and harm associated with the choking game among adolescents.