The Banana Peel Challenge - Viral Stupidity Continues to Innovate

In the internet age, anyone with access to a computer has been given the ultimate public podium to express themselves. While at times this is used to deliver poignant, relevant messages, it is often used for sheer stupidity - like spreading waves of ill-advised behaviour across the world, making us realize that natural selection is still very real.
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In the internet age, anyone with access to a computer has been given the ultimate public podium to express themselves. While at times this is used to deliver poignant, relevant messages, it is often used for sheer stupidity - like spreading waves of ill-advised behaviour across the world, making us realize that natural selection is still very real. This has been demonstrated by countless 'challenges' which have swept across social media, including 'The Winter Challenge' -throw yourself into a body of water in the winter; 'Neknomination' - recklessly chug liquor, then nominate others to do the same; and even 'The Fire Challenge' - pretty self explanatory.

yall I tried to see if banana peels were rlly slipper like in cartoons & I slipped & tried 2 catch myself w/ a cup.. pic.twitter.com/6dvg5BlnHB

— jason oakes (@jaasonoakes) March 27, 2016

Enter the latest challenge sweeping social media: 'The Banana Peel Challenge'. The challenge is breaking into the public lexicon over the last few days thanks to teenager Jason Oakes, who filmed himself testing the old cartoon adage that a banana peel is more than just organic detritus: it's a booby trap for an unsuspecting victim. Will a banana peel on a slick floor cause you to slip, fall, and injure yourself? Why not film yourself attempting it, and find out? (Disclaimer: the Outspeak team does not recommend this). From a psychology perspective, will we forever be amused by self-inflicted pain? If the evolution of slapstick comedy - from The Three Stooges, to Jackass, to self-uploaded challenge videos - is any indicator, then yes, we likely will.

Having covered previous challenges (most recently the fire challenge), Austin, Texas Outspeakers Double Toasted couldn't help but offer a panel-style discussion on the latest challenge to capture the attention of bored teens across the nation. Perspectives vary from a bleak outlook on what this challenge represents for the future of our youth, to a discussion of the racist undertones identified when revisiting old cartoons with similar slapstick antics.

Challenge videos are the wild child of easy access to camera technology, the existence of YouTube and social media platforms for rapid sharing, the human need to forever one-up each other, and the natural desire to get a laugh from one's peers. What does it all mean? Teens are bored as ever, and technology is omnipresent. As to whether or not these challenge videos should stop, the mainstream media would says yes, but unfortunately, stupid is as stupid does.

Korey, Martin, and the Double Toasted gang provide comedic insights on this and other stories from their studio in Austin, Texas. The channel, also available as a subscription podcast from their website, offers serialized weekly content featuring humorous discussions on movies, pop culture, and strange happenings from around the world.

Find Double Toasted on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Any suggestions for what the next trending challenge should or will be? Leave your comments below.

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