What is the ‘Kia challenge?’ The dangerous new TikTok trend that’s going viral
The latest trend that has been popping up on the internet is one that TikTok users should report immediately. The viral “Kia Challenge” trend encourages TikTok users to turn on Kia cars with a USB cord, leading to thefts and vandalism. (Kia/TNS)TNS
The latest trend that has been popping up on the internet is one that TikTok users should report immediately.
The viral “Kia Challenge” trend encourages TikTok users to turn on Kia cars with a USB cord, leading to thefts and vandalism.
Here’s what else you need to know about the dangerous challenge.
How did the “Kia Challenge” begin? When did it become dangerous?
According to Distractify, the “Kia Challenge” began in early July when TikTok user @robbierayyy made a video showing how to start a Kia by using a USB cable.
The how-to video quickly evolved into a challenge-style video with other users copying the original to find out if @robbierayyy’s method worked for themselves.
However, the challenge has turned dangerous, leading to real-life crimes, such as vandalism and theft, being committed just so people could carry out this challenge.
Later in July, Fox 59 reported that Indiana resident Alissa Smart had her Kia burglarized because of someone allegedly carrying out the challenge.
“The keys were in one of my parents’ vehicles on the property. If they wanted to steal a car, it would’ve been much easier to take that truck. Instead they busted out my window and tried to hot-wire my Kia Soul before my niece walked outside, and they took off running on foot,” Smart told Fox 59.
How do I report videos spreading the “Kia Challenge” so they can get removed?
TikTok is encouraging users to report the “Kia Challenge” videos so they can be removed.
You can report a video on the social media app by clicking the white arrow on the side of the video and tapping the flag symbol, which is an icon that says “report.”
When prompted to describe the reason for reporting, select “illegal activities” and “submit.”
If you want to report a user, go to their profile, tap the three dots in the top right-hand corner and then, “report.”