tech
Speeding for online glory: the internet subculture where young men drive dangerously for likes
Social media trend feeds on footage shot from cars racing down busy roads, with potentially lethal consequences
TL;DR
- Young men are participating in a dangerous social media trend of filming high-speed driving on public roads.
- Hashtags like #speedhunters, #needforspeed, #racing, and #fullsend are associated with this trend.
- The trend has been linked to several recent fatalities, including a crash involving police officers and a separate incident in Ireland.
- Experts believe the desire for online fame, 'clout,' and potential financial rewards contribute to the behavior.
- Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube host this content, attracting millions of views.
- Governments and regulators are urging tech companies to proactively remove dangerous driving content and shut down associated accounts.
- While laws exist to protect children from harmful content, dangerous driving might not be explicitly covered for adults under current legislation like the Online Safety Act.