Disgusting Trends

A video was posted to social media a few weeks ago that featured a woman opening and licking a tub of bluebell ice cream and simply placing it back in the freezer for unsuspecting customers to buy at a walmart in Texas. People were quick to discover the girls identity and began to harass her on social media for her disgusting act in which she thought was funny. Just as quickly as the internet was able to uncover her identity authorities were as well. Apparently she can possibly face 20 years in jail but at the moment the case is in the hands of the juvenile justice system who has yet to make any statements about her charges. While many people were absolutely horrified by this video and requesting more secure packing such as a plastic wrap around all ice cream containers some people decided they would take part in a new internet challenge where individuals are tampering with food items while being recorded. Two to three videos have already surfaced of men opening ice cream containers, licking the ice cream and putting it back on the shelf, while others have gone as far as digging their hands into the ice cream and returning it back to the shelf. Furthermore, some individuals have gone as far as messing with other items such as soda. I recently saw a video of a woman opening multiple sodas, take a sip and then return it to the shelf. An even nastier man took it upon himself to take a sip of mouthwash and spit it back in the bottle but luckily for those unsuspecting customers that visit that store will most likely be able to tell the mouthwash was tampered with because of the plastic seal.

I'm beyond disgusted by this new trend but also not surprised. The new age of social media and internet fame has led people astray. Pranks and internet challenges have become all the rage even though they can be potentially dangerous and illegal. Individuals are more concerned about the likes and fame they will receive from their video disregarding all logic and common sense. The pleasure of receiving a reaction out of people is more important to them than jeopardizing their livelihood or more so people think because other people are doing it there won't be any consequences which is completely wrong. The first man seen copying the ice cream licker has already been arrested and I’m sure his charges will be more severe than hers because he is not a minor plus he should have known better after the reactions the original had received.

The question that always lingers in my mind when I see videos such as the one mentioned earlier is “was this worth the backlash or consequences?” While something might not seem that serious it can has risks because you are not the one who can make that decision especially when it will affect people in the future. For example, when news of the girl I mentioned earlier was apprehended reports mentioned that she could possibly face charges related to endangering the welfare of an individual because she essentially could have pass diseases such as mono and a few others. Luckily for her no one brought the ice cream and it was pulled from the shelf before anyone in the future could.

As a result of these recent stunts I wonder if companies will consider placing more seals on items to prevent future tampering since people were upset about bluebell not having a seal around their ice cream? Which apparently they do not use a plastic wrap because they say during production their ice cream is flipped upside down and sent to harden where the ice cream creates a natural seal. Which is a great idea especially to eliminate the use of plastic which has overrun the earth but after this recent event they might decide to start using plastic. Overall I’m wondering if this would lead to more plastic waste in an environment where we are already trying to find ways to cut back on plastic. Will this take us a few steps back?

Finally, I just want people to understand that it's more to life than the internet. You don't need to become an internet sensation by destroying your life. These pranks and challenges can be fun at times but don't blur the lines between a little fun and doing something that is utterly stupid and irresponsible. Don't let a 10 second video be all you are remembered for you are so much better than that. Think about if that was you buying that ice cream or soda or mouthwash that someone tampered with and how unhappy you would be especially if you got sick in anyway.