Teenager Dies After Participating in TikTok Deodorant Challenge
A 17-year-old girl in Germany died in January 2023 after participating in a dangerous TikTok challenge involving deodorant inhalation that was recommended to her on the platform. Her father attributed the tragedy to TikTok's recommendation system, stating she would not have attempted the challenge without social media exposure.
What happened
A 17-year-old girl named Leonida died in January 2023 after participating in the 'Deo-Challenge' on TikTok, which involved spraying deodorant on skin until blisters formed and then inhaling the spray.
Her father Alexander stated that the challenge was recommended to her on TikTok and that without social media she would not have attempted it.
Reported impact
The teenager died as a result of participating in the challenge.
Index analysis
A study by the Landesanstalt für Medien NRW cited in a ZDF documentary found that approximately one-third of all TikTok challenges may be potentially dangerous, with approximately one percent estimated to be fatal.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.