Andy Montoya
The latest internet craze in 2019, the #CheeseChallenge, involves adults filming themselves throwing slices of cheese at babies and posting the videos on social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. While some find the videos amusing, others have expressed concern about the potential risks to the babies and the ethics of exploiting children for entertainment. The challenge has also sparked debates about the appropriateness of sharing images of small children online and the potential for the videos to be misused.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of the trend | Throwing cheese slices at babies |
| Other names | Cheese challenge |
| Origin | A viral video posted on Twitter by @unclehxlmes |
| Platforms | Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram |
| Views | Millions |
| Public opinion | Varied, some find it funny, others find it uncomfortable and inappropriate |
| Potential risks | May lead to short- or long-term consequences, depending on the family context and the child's developmental stage |
| Potential issues | Exploitation of babies for entertainment, potential security risk and lack of privacy for children |
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What You'll Learn
Is it child abuse?
The act of throwing cheese at babies has sparked controversy, with some people condemning it as child abuse and others dismissing the claims, deeming it harmless fun. This phenomenon, dubbed the "Cheese Challenge", involves throwing a slice of cheese at a baby's face, aiming for it to stick upon impact. While some babies laugh, others appear confused or shocked, prompting concerns about potential harm and exploitation.
The Argument Against:
Some individuals strongly oppose the Cheese Challenge, viewing it as a form of child abuse. They argue that throwing objects, especially cheese slices, at a baby's face can be dangerous and cause unnecessary discomfort or shock. The impact of a cheese slice on a baby's delicate features could potentially lead to physical harm, and the startle factor may induce distress. This concern is heightened when considering younger babies or those with unknown developmental disabilities. Additionally, the challenge may be indicative of a deeper issue—parents exploiting their children for entertainment and online popularity without considering the potential short- and long-term consequences on the child's well-being.
The Argument for Harmless Fun:
On the other hand, some people, including Children's Rights executive director Sandy Santana, assert that the Cheese Challenge does not constitute child abuse. They believe that while it may be ill-advised and startling for the babies, it is generally not intended to cause harm. Santana emphasizes that parents should prioritize treating their children with care. Most babies seen in these videos appear well-cared for and loved, and some even laugh off the incident. The challenge could be likened to other lighthearted pranks or fads that have gained popularity online. Additionally, the potential for physical harm from a slice of cheese may be considered relatively minor compared to other objects.
The Complex Nature of Social Media:
The Cheese Challenge highlights the complex dynamics of social media behavior, driven by social and psychological factors. People seek popularity and attention through "likes" and "shares", which provide biochemical rewards. However, the line between harmless fun and exploitation becomes blurred when babies are involved. Concerns arise regarding the privacy and security of children whose images are shared online. The challenge also raises questions about parental boundaries and respect for their children's autonomy and well-being. While some babies may find the cheese-throwing amusing, others exhibit confusion and discomfort, underscoring the importance of considering each child's individual reaction and needs.
In conclusion, while the act of throwing cheese at babies may not meet the legal definition of child abuse, it raises ethical concerns about parental responsibility, consent, and the potential for unintended harm. The complex nature of social media's influence on behavior adds another layer of complexity to this controversial issue.
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The cheese challenge
The "Cheese Challenge" is an internet meme that emerged in 2019. It involves throwing a slice of cheese at a baby's face so that it sticks there. The challenge was started by a Twitter user called @unclehxlmes, who posted a video with the caption "just cheesed my lil brother". The video received over 10 million views before it was deleted, as the baby was revealed to not be his brother but someone else's from Facebook.
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Parental exploitation
The act of throwing cheese at babies has been a topic of concern for many, with some labelling it as a form of parental exploitation. This trend, known as the "Cheese Challenge", involves adults filming themselves throwing cheese slices at babies' faces, with the videos being posted on social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. While some may argue that it is harmless fun, others believe that it crosses the line into parental exploitation and raises ethical concerns.
The primary issue with this trend is the potential for parental exploitation. Dr. Ferol Mennen, an associate professor at the University of Southern California, expressed concern that parents are essentially using their babies for entertainment without considering the baby's needs or perspective. The babies in the videos appear startled, confused, or scared, indicating that they are not consenting participants in this challenge. As one commentator pointed out, "Kids aren't meant to be used as props."
The motivation behind this behaviour is often attributed to the desire for social media attention and the biochemical rewards that come with "likes" and "shares". By posting these videos online, parents are subjecting their children to public scrutiny and potentially compromising their privacy and security. Furthermore, the long-term impact of such actions on the children's well-being is unknown and could lead to short- or long-term consequences, especially if the child has undisclosed developmental disabilities.
While some may argue that the act of throwing cheese at babies does not constitute child abuse, it is generally agreed upon that it is not acceptable behaviour. The babies' confusion and discomfort are evident, and the potential risks of physical harm, especially with harder cheeses, cannot be ignored. As one commentator noted, "Life was hard enough, trying to eat, sleep, or be changed into something dry without parents throwing food at me."
The "Cheese Challenge" highlights a concerning trend of exploiting children for social media content. While it may provide temporary entertainment for some, the potential harm to the children involved and the broader implications for online content involving minors cannot be overlooked. As such, it is essential to recognise the ethical boundaries that should not be crossed, even in the pursuit of internet fame or a few extra "likes".
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Social media influence
Social media has played a significant role in the rise and spread of the "cheese challenge," a phenomenon where people throw slices of cheese at babies and share their reactions online. This trend began with a father in Michigan who posted a video of himself tossing cheese at his baby, dubbing it "getting cheesed." Within hours, people across the country were copying him, and the "cheese challenge" was born. Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter became flooded with videos of people participating in the challenge, with some even seeing their clips go viral.
The "cheese challenge" sparked intense debates on social media, with users taking sides on the issue. Some commenters felt that throwing cheese at a baby without their consent was humiliating, bullying, and akin to child abuse. They expressed concerns for the babies' well-being and the potential long-term impact of the prank. On the other hand, some insisted that it was ultimately harmless and that the babies were having fun.
The challenge also caught the attention of social media influencers and personalities, who became some of the most vocal critics of the trend. Notable figures like Casey Neistat, Kalen Allen, and Chrissy Teigen politely asked parents not to participate in the "cheese challenge." They joined a chorus of voices expressing concern over the potential risks and ethical implications of throwing cheese at babies for social media likes and entertainment.
The "cheese challenge" highlights the power of social media to shape trends and influence behaviour. It also underscores the potential pitfalls of such influence, as the spread of the challenge led to a wave of similar videos, with many people seemingly motivated by the desire for social media attention and approval. The debate surrounding the "cheese challenge" also demonstrates how social media can amplify diverse perspectives and spark important conversations about societal norms and ethics.
While the "cheese challenge" may have started as a lighthearted prank, the intense discussions it sparked on social media platforms brought to light the potential consequences and ethical dilemmas associated with such actions. The influence of social media in this context showcases how online trends can rapidly gain momentum and how they can lead to a range of reactions and responses from different segments of society.
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The potential for harm
While some may argue that the "Cheese Challenge" is harmless fun, there are several reasons why throwing cheese at babies can be harmful and should be avoided. Firstly, it can cause physical harm to the baby. The impact of a cheese slice, particularly a harder variety, on a baby's soft and delicate skin can be painful and lead to discomfort. The unexpected impact of the cheese slice can also startle and shock the baby, causing emotional distress. Some babies may experience fear, confusion, or embarrassment as a evidenced by their reactions in many of the videos.
Secondly, the cheese challenge can be considered a form of exploitation and a violation of the baby's rights and dignity. Babies are unable to provide informed consent to being part of such challenges or having their images shared online. They are being used as props for entertainment, and their needs and feelings are not being considered. This can have long-term psychological effects on the child, impacting their sense of trust and security.
Additionally, the cheese challenge can promote a culture of normalizing pranks and physical humour that may escalate to more harmful behaviours. It can also desensitize individuals to the potential harm caused by such actions and minimize the importance of respecting personal boundaries. The widespread sharing of these videos on social media can further reinforce the idea that this behaviour is acceptable and encourage others to engage in similar actions without fully considering the potential consequences.
Furthermore, the cheese challenge raises concerns about the privacy and security of the children involved. Once images or videos are posted online, they can be easily shared and accessed by a wide audience, including individuals with malicious intentions. This can expose children to potential risks such as cyberbullying, identity theft, or even sexual exploitation. The permanent nature of the internet means that these images may resurface later in the child's life, potentially causing embarrassment or negative consequences in their personal or professional lives.
Lastly, the cheese challenge can reflect negatively on the parents or caregivers involved. It can indicate a lack of empathy, respect, and understanding of the child's needs and boundaries. It may suggest a willingness to prioritize personal entertainment or social media popularity over the well-being of the child. Such actions can damage the trust and bond between the parent and child and impact the child's sense of security and self-worth.
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Frequently asked questions
Throwing cheese at babies can lead to unnecessary discomfort and shock. It could also lead to short or long-term consequences depending on the family environment and whether the child has developmental disabilities.
While experts say that throwing cheese at babies is not child abuse, it is still not acceptable behaviour. It could also be considered exploitation and shows a lack of concern for the baby's needs.
People tend to engage in group behaviours and are more likely to conform to a challenge if their shared network is doing it. Social media behaviour is driven by social and psychological factors, and people seek 'likes' and 'shares'.
Public opinion is divided on the issue of sharing images of small children on social media due to potential security risks and privacy concerns. Videos of babies being thrown cheese could also be used by trolls and pedophiles.
