The 'One Chip Challenge' Is Back in the News Following a Teen's Tragic Death—Here's What To Know
Since the early days of YouTube, viral internet challenges have been a hobby for internet users of all ages (think GloZell Green’s attempt at the cinnamon challenge). These videos now live on TikTok and the trends include dangerous dares that include lighting things on fire, "chroming," putting chapstick on eyelids and, back once again, eating a viral snack.
The “one chip challenge” is the most recent social media dare that unfortunately follows its predecessors’ trajectory—with deadly consequences. On September 1, 2023, Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old boy, passed away suddenly after eating a Paqui spicy tortilla chip. While the official cause of death hasn’t been determined, Wolobah’s family is concerned that the chip he consumed shortly before passing out before basketball tryouts at Doherty Memorial High School.
Wolobah’s untimely death is one of many from the past decade possibly linked to completing a viral challenge. While they may initially seem harmless, these challenges often cause more harm than good.
Take the “blackout challenge,” for example, where a person will essentially choke themselves until they feel a euphoric high—sometimes leading to death. It’s been around since the mid-2000s but surged in popularity on TikTok in 2021. According to the original press release from the Center for Disease Control in 2008, this challenge is responsible for the death of over 80 children.
But what exactly is the “one chip challenge,” and why is it so dangerous?
What Is the 'One Chip Challenge'?
According to Paqui, the manufacturer of the chips, the one-chip challenge is a test to see “how long you can last before you spiral out.” The goal is to eat the chip, which is notoriously spicy, and wait as long as possible without having anything to eat or drink to relieve the effects of the heat. The Paqui website features a picture of the Grim Reaper next to a list of time markers indicating the “titles'' of people who can handle the spice. If you go one minute, you’re harmless. Ten minutes, a slitherer. But up to an hour? You’re an apex predator. People who participate in the challenge are prompted to record and post their reactions on their social media profiles.
While the company does provide directions on the website indicating that these chips are “intended for adult consumption” and to “keep out of reach of children,” that hasn’t stopped teens across the U.S. from getting their hands on them. They also warn people who eat Paqui’s chips to see a medical professional if they have “difficulty breathing, fainting, or extended nausea.”
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Why Are the Chips So Hot?
Paqui lists the ingredients as blue corn, sunflower and/or safflower oil, Carolina reaper pepper, naga viper pepper and sea salt. Notice the two types of peppers on this list; they’re some of the hottest on the market.
According to Poison Control at the National Capital Poison Center, these peppers contain capsaicin, an active ingredient in chili peppers that’s used in pepper spray and bear spray. Capsaicin is a natural substance but can be highly potent and irritating to humans, causing repeated vomiting, chest pain, burning or gastrointestinal problems—eventually leading to life-threatening damage if untreated.
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How To Talk to Kids About the Challenge
If you ask most parents, teenagers and risk-taking are two words that are often synonymous. However, there’s a reason for this. Teen brains aren’t fully developed, meaning they won’t have the same insight as adults. The prefrontal cortex, the brain area responsible for executive functioning and higher-level decision-making (i.e., doing risky stuff), doesn’t fully develop until a person is 25 years old. On the other hand, the limbic system is finished developing—it’s the control center for pleasure-related emotions, which causes the desire to seek adventure.
That’s why it’s essential to talk to your teen about the dangers of these challenges. The first step in doing this is getting on their level. Remember, you were a teen once. Put yourself in their shoes and try to think about how you would have reacted to this social situation. Here are some suggestions on how to have the conversation
Start a discussion about challenges in a nonjudgmental space where your teen feels comfortable talking to you about potentially taboo topics.
If necessary, work with your teen to set reasonable limits on social media. By allowing them to take part in setting healthy boundaries, they’re more likely to respect them.
Encourage them to question what they see on social media and not to take things for face value. Even though a challenge seems fun and lighthearted, there could be more considerable consequences.
Talk to them about establishing a social support network of their peers. Sometimes, teens are more willing to talk to their friends than their parents. It’s also a good idea to ask them about what’s happening with their friends to gain insight into what they’re doing.
While teens need to understand the consequences of their actions, putting themselves in life-threatening situations is not okay. Educate them on the difference between just being a teenager and doing something that could significantly alter their quality of life.
Stay current on the latest trends so you’re always in the know about what your teen might be exposed to.
Lastly, if you think your child might be suffering from the aftereffects of one chip challenge (or any other viral trend), seek medical or psychological help. You can get free assistance through the Poison Control Center, which offers free support online or by calling 1-800-222-1222.
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