What's the Deal with Choking Trends on TikTok?

TikTok is known for its ever-evolving trends, but one that has sparked concern is the #chokekink trend. This trend revolves around videos discussing sexual choking, which has gained significant popularity among young users.

Study Findings

A recent study analyzed 96 videos related to this trend over two days. The findings revealed:

• Most videos were short, entertaining skits with text annotations and sampled sounds.
• The focus was on the desire for choking rather than the potential dangers.
• The participants were mostly young, traditionally cisgender females.
• While most videos depicted consensual choking, some linked it to dating violence.

Identified Themes

The study identified 11 themes, including:

• Choking is pleasurable.
• Choking is a sign of an ideal masculine partner.
• Choking can be intimidating for the person doing the choking.

Misinformation and Risks

Only six videos were educational, and all contained misinformation. Some claims included:

• There is a "right" way to choke based on pressure location or intensity.
• Losing consciousness is a sign of safety.

These claims are concerning as they can mislead users about the risks involved.

Call to Action

The study suggests that educators, policymakers, and technology companies need to address this issue. It is crucial to:

• Provide accurate information about the dangers of sexual choking.
• Promote safe practices.