We are usually attracted to games that pique our curiosity, challenge our skills and keep us engaged. The notorious Blue Whale game combines all these elements, albeit for a sinister cause — to force people to kill themselves! Allegedly developed in Russia in 2013, the game has constantly been in the news as it has led to several teenagers from across the world to commit suicide.
“Pff… all this is fake. How can a game cause anyone to take such a drastic step?” you would wonder.
This is exactly what a 17-year-old girl, daughter of BSF soldier, thought before downloading the game. However, as she started playing, she got so hooked that she ended up playing it the entire night. In the end, she was given four options by the game administrators: to draw a whale on her arm using a blade, jump off the terrace, jump into the ocean, or run away. She was also provided with a threatening message saying if she did not complete the challenge within three days, something unimaginably bad would happen to her or her loved ones. Scared, she ran away from home but, luckily, was rescued by police officials. As instances of children falling victims to the game are increasingly being reported in India, it is essential for you to be aware of it.
What makes you play
Though it is not easy to pinpoint a reason as to why youngsters are prone to getting brainwashed by the game, experts have suggested that it could be due to their social or emotional marginalisation; that is, due to not getting enough time from parents and feeling emotionally vulnerable or depressed. This is why doctors have advised parents and children to have a healthy bond where they can freely share things with each other. If a child is suffering from depression or any other problem, he or she should be comfortable enough to talk to his or her parents about it and seek help. Having a positive and supportive friend circle can also help.
Do not let your curiosity or sense of “adventure” get the better of you. If you do get a forward message containing a link to the game, report it to your parents or an adult you can trust immediately.
All of us are prone to curiosity. Whenever we come across something new, our instinct is to try it out. This is exactly what the game banks on to lure innocent victims. Youngsters download the game to take a look at what the hullabaloo is about, and, unwittingly, fall into the “death-trap”. Survivors of the game have described the experience as agonising and say that it affects players mentally.
A game?
The Blue Whale Challenge initiated in Russia.
The Google Trends report for India revealed the most searched related topic was ‘Download Blue Whale Game’.’ (The Blue Whale Challenge cannot be downloaded; it is not an app.)
In Russia, around 130 suicides have been reported.
What is it?
Usually, a link to the game is forwarded through social media networks.
According to reports, the game involves completing a series of tasks such as listening to music provided by the game administrators, waking up at odd hours, carving a specific phrase on one’s arm, watching a horror movie, standing on a bridge, and so on.
All the tasks are required to be completed within 50 days, at the end of which the players are instructed to commit suicide.
They are threatened with dire consequences if the tasks are not completed within the stipulated time.
