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{{short description|Viral Internet hoax}}
{{short description|Viral Internet hoax}}
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The "'''Momo Challenge'''" is a [[hoax]] and an Internet [[urban legend]] that was rumored to spread through [[social media]] and other outlets.<ref name=Gu/><ref name=BBCn/> It was reported that children and adolescents were being enticed by a user named Momo to perform a series of dangerous tasks including violent attacks, [[self-harm]] and [[suicide]].<ref name=UK/><ref name=Gu2/><ref name=snopes/> Despite claims that the phenomenon had reached worldwide proportions in July 2018, the number of actual complaints was relatively small and no law enforcement agency has confirmed that anyone was harmed as a direct result of it.<ref name="fox" /><ref name="news9" /><ref name=panic/><ref name=wir/>
The "'''Momo Challenge'''" is a [[hoax]] and an internet [[urban legend]] that was rumoured to spread through [[social media]] and other outlets. It was reported that children and adolescents were being harassed by a user named Momo to perform a series of dangerous tasks including violent attacks, [[self-harm]], harming others, and suicide. Despite claims that the phenomenon had reached worldwide proportions in July 2018, the number of actual complaints was relatively small and many law enforcement agencies have not been able to confirm that anyone was harmed as a direct result of it. Moreover, the Momo Challenge sparked global panic and prompted urgent warnings from authorities and child safety advocates. Reports of children encountering Momo's disturbing messages circulated widely, causing heightened fears among parents and caregivers.


==Chronology==
The challenge was reported to become "a worldwide phenomenon" in 2018 after an Indonesian newspaper reported that it had caused a 12-year-old girl to kill herself.<ref name="JA Verge"/> Awareness grew in February 2019 after the [[Police Service of Northern Ireland]] posted a public warning on Facebook, and American media personality [[Kim Kardashian]] posted on her [[Instagram#Instagram Stories|Instagram Story]] pleading for [[YouTube]] to remove alleged "Momo" videos.<ref name=RS/> The challenge has (or claims to have) existed in the [[United States]], [[Canada]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Ireland]], [[India]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Belgium]], [[Iran]], [[Pakistan]], the [[Philippines]], [[France]], [[Indonesia]], [[Brunei]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Spain]], [[Portugal]], [[Mexico]], [[Colombia]], [[Chile]], [[Argentina]], [[Brazil]] and [[Australia]].
===Internet scare===


Discussions among [[YouTube]] commentators about a new internet phenomenon promoting self-harm similar to the [[Blue Whale Challenge]] surfaced in July 2018, followed in August by news items reporting allegations that cases of self-harm by children in South America and India had been prompted by [[WhatsApp]] messages.<ref name=CID/> Reports were based on stories of teenagers being targeted by people presenting themselves as a character named Momo, trying to persuade people to contact them through their cell phones. As with the aforementioned Blue Whale Challenge, and other Internet hoaxes presented as challenges, players are then instructed to perform a series of tasks; refusal to do so is met with threats and [[Graphic violence|gory]] pictures.<ref name=fox/><ref name=news9/><ref name=BATimes/>
==Background and reactions==
The Momo Challenge gained the public's attention in July 2018, when it was noticed by a [[YouTuber]], Reign Bot.<ref name=CID/> Targeting teenagers, people presenting themselves as a character named Momo on [[WhatsApp]] messages try to convince people to contact them through their cell phone. As with other Internet hoaxes presented as challenges such as "[[Blue Whale (game)|Blue Whale]]", players are then instructed to perform a succession of tasks, refusal to do so is met with threats. Messages are subsequently accompanied by frightening or [[Graphic violence|gory]] pictures.<ref name=fox/><ref name=news9/><ref name=BATimes/> Although the panic eventually died down throughout the rest of 2018, it returned in a much more pervasive form in early 2019, when it was claimed that Momo was being inserted into seemingly innocuous [[YouTube]] and [[YouTube Kids]] videos about [[Peppa Pig]] and ''[[Fortnite]]''; these claims'''Bold text''' were repeated by the group National Online Safety.<ref name="RS" /><ref name="class" /><ref name="O'Malley"/>


In France, a group at the [[Minister of the Interior (France)|Ministry of the Interior]] was reviewing the situation daily in late July 2018.<ref name=france/> Public warnings were issued in August and September by police forces in countries including Argentina,<ref name=news9/><ref name=BATimes/><ref name=popular/> Germany,<ref name=merkur/> Luxembourg,<ref name=lux/> Spain,<ref name=BBCbr/> Canada,<ref name=long/><ref name=sher/><ref name=gat/> Mexico<ref name=news9/><ref name=heavy/> and the United States.<ref name=Illinois/>
Although authorities hasent confirmed any physical harm resulting from this, or even that a sustained exchange of messages took place between the Momo character and anybody, police forces and school administrations on several continents have issued warnings about the Momo Challenge and repeated common advice about the Internet safety. WhatsApp is encouraging its users to block phone numbers engaging in this practice and to report them to the company.<ref name=fox/><ref name=york/>


⚫
A representation of the Momo character appeared in the popular game ''[[Minecraft]]'' in the form of player-made game skins and an unofficial [[Modding|mod]] created by the game's users. A police officer in [[Ohio]] was concerned to see Momo in his son's copy of the game, worried about the possibility that the mod could lead to participation in the Momo Challenge. After news reports started to outline the link between the ''Minecraft'' mod and the Momo Challenge, [[Microsoft]] announced it was taking measures to "restrict access to the mod" in question.<ref name=fox2/><ref name=fox3/>
⚫
Commenting on the numerous rumors of suicide-related to the '''Momo Challenge''', web security experts and [[folklore studies|folklorists]] studying [[urban legend]] have stated that the phenomenon is likely a case of [[moral panic]]: a sensationalized hoax fuelled by unverified media reports.<ref name=Atl/><ref name=BB/> [[Benjamin Radford]] says "the Blue Whale Game and the Momo Challenge have all the hallmarks of a classic moral panic",<ref name=BR/> "fuelled by parents' fears in wanting to know what their kids are up to. There's an inherent fear in what young people are doing with technology."<ref name=RS/><ref name=panic/> By September 2018, most phone numbers supposedly associated with "Momo" were out of service.<ref name=Magid/><ref name=safeint/><ref name=lemonde/><ref name=wapost/> The founder of the fact-checking site [[Snopes]], David Mikkelson, doubts anybody actually came to any harm and said the whole thing "may primarily be a product of bullies and pranksters latching onto a handy mechanism to goad and torment vulnerable youngsters rather than an intrinsic part of a particular social media challenge."<ref name=snopes/>


⚫
After weeks of news coverage about unconfirmed cases and warnings issued by the [[West Bengal Police|West Bengal police]] and the [[Mumbai Police|Mumbai police]], India's [[Central Bureau of Investigation|Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)]] in [[West Bengal]] indicated on August 29, 2018, that claims reported in the media about the death of two teens being linked to the Momo Challenge were "far fetched and devoid of any evidence". CBI believed most of the large volume of Momo Challenge invitations in India originate locally as pranks sent to spread panic. A CBI spokesperson stated that "so far, the game has not claimed any victim, nor has anyone approached us saying they have played even the first level of it."<ref name=CID/><ref name=india2/><ref name=india3/><ref name=india4/><ref name=india5/> The police could not confirm any role the Momo Challenge might have played in the death of a girl in [[Education in India|grade 10]] who died by suicide after leaving a note expressing discouragement with lower grades or the suicide of an engineering student in [[Chennai|Madras]].<ref name=india1/><ref name=Statesman/><ref name=Odisha2/> The [[Odisha]] Police already issued an advisory asking the media to refrain from publishing unconfirmed reports linking teen death to the Momo Challenge.<ref name=Odisha/>
⚫
In response to the reports in early 2019, [[YouTube]] has said that it has "not received any links to videos showing or promoting the Momo challenge on YouTube" but permits news stories and videos intended to raise awareness of and educate against the alleged phenomenon.<ref name="O'Malley" /> The website has demonetized all videos mentioning Momo, including those of news organizations, saying such content violates its advertiser-friendly content guidelines. It has also placed advisory warnings on some Momo videos alerting viewers of "inappropriate or offensive" content.<ref name="JA Verge" />


⚫
[[Pakistan]]'s Minister of Information Technology announced that the government intended to draft legislation making it a crime to distribute both the Momo Challenge and the Blue Whale Challenge.<ref name=Pakban1/><ref name=Pakban2/>


WhatsApp encouraged its users to block phone numbers engaging in this practice and to report them to the company.<ref name=fox/><ref name=york/><ref name="RS" /><ref name="cbss" /><ref name="O'Malley"/> By September 2018, most phone numbers supposedly associated with "Momo" were out of service and the news coverage of the phenomenon decreased.<ref name=Magid/><ref name=safeint/><ref name=lemonde/><ref name=wapost/>
==Spread==


⚫
Police in the [[Philippines]] issued warnings to parents to be vigilant of their children's online activity after an 11-year-old boy died from apparent suicide by drug overdose on 11 January 2019, linking the incident to the viral challenge, although no official confirmation of direct relation to the incident has been established by the authorities.<ref name=Phil/><ref name=abs/> In the aftermath of the reports, [[Raffy Tulfo]] and other YouTubers voiced their condolences to the family, encouraging that children be monitored by their parents. They also linked the [[Blue Whale Challenge]] to the incident.<ref name=prot/><ref name=wag/>
===Asia===
⚫
In [[India]], the [[Central Bureau of Investigation|Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)]] in [[West Bengal]] indicated on August 29, 2018, that claims reported in the media about the death of two teens being linked to the Momo Challenge were "far fetched and devoid of any evidence". CBI believes most of the large volume of Momo Challenge invitations in India originate locally as pranks sent to spread panic. A CBI spokesperson stated that "so far, the game has not claimed any victim, nor has anyone approached us saying they have played even the first level of it."<ref name=CID/> The CBI statement follows weeks of news coverage about unconfirmed cases. After being alerted by a youth who received a Momo Challenge invitation, police in West Bengal issued a warning, and the [[cybercrime]] unit has opened an investigation. The [[Mumbai Police|Mumbai police]] had previously started to warn the population, although no complaints were filed.<ref name=india2/><ref name=india3/><ref name=india4/><ref name=india5/> Police have not confirmed any role the Momo Challenge might have played in the death of a girl in [[Education in India|grade 10]] who committed suicide after leaving a note expressing discouragement with low grades or the suicide of an engineering student in [[Chennai|Madras]].<ref name=india1/><ref name=Statesman/><ref name=Odisha2/> The [[Odisha]] Police, while issuing an advisory, are asking the media to refrain from publishing unconfirmed reports linking teen death to the Momo Challenge.<ref name=Odisha/>


===Worldwide moral panic===
⚫
[[Pakistan]]'s Minister of Information Technology announced the government intends to draft legislation making it a crime to distribute both the Momo Challenge and the Blue Whale Challenge.<ref name=Pakban1/><ref name=Pakban2/>
In February 2019, the [[Police Service of Northern Ireland]] posted a public warning on Facebook, and American media personality [[Kim Kardashian]] posted on her [[Instagram#Instagram Stories|Instagram Story]] pleading for [[YouTube]] to remove alleged "Momo" videos.<ref name=RS/><ref name="cbss" /> At that point, people reported seeing Momo pop up on a variety of platforms, including [[YouTube]] and [[YouTube Kids]] videos about ''[[Peppa Pig]]'' and ''[[Fortnite]]''. The hoax had reached the status of a worldwide [[moral panic]].<ref name="RS" /><ref name="cbss" /><ref name="O'Malley"/> More advisories were issued from police forces, schools and organizations dedicated to internet consumer safety,<ref name=private/><ref name=york/><ref name=itv/> although some of the warnings were more concerned with [[identity theft]] by cybercriminals than the possibility of self-harm.<ref name="O'Malley"/><ref name=BBCbr/>


By March, several experts including the [[Children's Commissioner for England]] were asking the media and authorities to cease amplifying what increasingly looked like a case of moral panic. Authorities had not confirmed any physical harm resulting from the phenomenon, or even that any sustained exchange of messages took place between the Momo character and anybody.<ref name=stop/> Responding to [[Tabloid newspaper|tabloid]] coverage which asserted the challenge to be true, the [[National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children|NSPCC]], the [[Samaritans (charity)|Samaritans]], and the UK Safer Internet Centre declared the Momo Challenge a hoax.<ref name=nspcc/><ref name=Sam/><ref name=UK/> A parent who alerted the press to the Momo Challenge subsequently said her child had not received messages from "Momo", but was merely told about it in a school playground conversation.<ref name=snopes/>
⚫
Police authorities in the [[Philippines]] issued warnings to parents to be vigilant of their children's online activity after an 11-year-old boy died from apparent suicide by drug overdose on 11 January 2019, linking the incident to the viral challenge, although no official confirmation of direct relation to the incident has been established by the authorities.<ref name=Phil/><ref name=abs/> In the aftermath of the reports, [[Raffy Tulfo]] and other YouTubers voiced their condolences to the family, encouraging that children be monitored by their parents. They also linked the [[Blue Whale Challenge]] to the incident.<ref name=prot/><ref name=wag/>


===Europe===
==Analysis==
In [[France]], a group at the [[Minister of the Interior (France)|State Department]] was reviewing the situation daily in late July 2018.<ref name=france/> A complaint was filed in November by a father whose son committed suicide.<ref name=LM/>


⚫
Web security experts and [[folklore studies|folklorists]] studying [[urban legend]]s have stated that the phenomenon is likely a case of [[moral panic]]: a sensationalized hoax fuelled by unverified media reports.<ref name=Atl/><ref name=BB/><ref name=study/><ref name=BBCn/><ref name=momogone/><ref name=wir/> [[Benjamin Radford]] stated that "the Blue Whale Game and the Momo Challenge have all the hallmarks of a classic moral panic",<ref name=BR/> "fuelled by parents' fears in wanting to know what their kids are up to. There's an inherent fear in what young people are doing with technology."<ref name=RS/><ref name=panic/>
In [[Germany]], the police were only aware of mentions made in chain letters. They are asking the population to act prudently when faced with that kind of cell phone contact.<ref name=merkur/>


The founder of fact-checking site [[Snopes]], David Mikkelson, doubts anybody actually came to any harm and said the whole thing "may primarily be a product of bullies and pranksters latching onto a handy mechanism to goad and torment vulnerable youngsters rather than an intrinsic part of a particular social media challenge."<ref name=snopes/>
The [[Luxembourg]] police confirmed one case on its territory, but no harm was caused.<ref name=lux/>


⚫
In response to the reports in early 2019, [[YouTube]] has said that it has "not received any links to videos showing or promoting the Momo challenge on YouTube" but permits news stories and videos intended to raise awareness of and educate against the alleged phenomenon.<ref name="O'Malley" /> The website has demonetized all videos mentioning Momo, including those of news organizations, saying such content violates its advertiser-friendly content guidelines. It has also placed advisory warnings on some Momo videos alerting viewers of "inappropriate or offensive" content.<ref name="JA Verge" />
The [[Belgium|Belgian]] Public Prosecutor's Office reported on 6 November 2018 that a 13-year-old boy had been the victim of the Momo Challenge and hung himself.<ref>[https://www.wort.lu/de/lokales/momo-challenge-kein-fall-in-luxemburg-5be1c22d182b657ad3b98ef8? "Momo Challenge": Kein Fall in Luxemburg]. Luxemburger Wort, 6. November 2018.</ref>{{Better source|reason=Citation is from a news site in Luxemburg, a Belgian source would be better|date=November 2018}}

[[Spain]]'s [[National Police Corps|National Police]] warned people to stay away from new "challenge" applications that pop up on WhatsApp, indicating the Momo phenomenon was in vogue among teenagers.<ref name=BBCbr/>

In the [[United Kingdom]], some school administrations relayed warnings about the phenomenon.<ref name=york/> Reports on and awareness of the alleged challenge rose in February 2019 after the [[Police Service of Northern Ireland]] issued a public warning.<ref name=RS/> British authorities say the challenge is being used by [[cybercriminal]]s to gain personal identity information.<ref name="O'Malley" /> Responding to [[Tabloid newspaper|tabloid]] coverage which asserted the challenge to be true, the [[National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children|NSPCC]], the [[Samaritans (charity)|Samaritans]], and the UK Safer Internet Centre have issued statements that the Momo Challenge is a hoax.<ref name=nspcc/><ref name=Sam/> The parent who alerted the press to the Momo Challenge subsequently said her child had not received messages from "Momo", but was merely told about it in a school playground conversation.<ref name=snopes/> Nevertheless, authorities and the media issued online safety precautions. Nicola Harteveld (who said her son was targeted by the challenge) and clinical psychologist Anna Colton warned on [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]]'s daytime TV show [[This Morning (TV programme)|''This Morning'']] not to search for Momo online and advised parents to be aware of their children's activity online.<ref name=itv/>

===North America===
In the [[Canada|Canadian]] province of [[Quebec]], local police forces of [[Longueuil]], [[Sherbrooke]] and [[Gatineau]] have indicated that people in their jurisdiction have been approached to participate in the Momo Challenge but did not report any victims. They are asking people not to use the phone number provided in the WhatsApp messages and to send screen capture images of their phone to police authorities. The [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] and other police forces say they are monitoring the spread of the phenomenon but could not confirm any actual victim.<ref name=long/><ref name=sher/><ref name=gat/>

[[Mexico|Mexican]] authorities investigating Internet crimes distributed detailed information to parents about the methods of the scheme. They suspect it has spread through a Facebook group frequented by young people. They warned those caught in the scheme risked self-harm, hacking and extortion.<ref name=news9/><ref name=heavy/>

⚫
In early August 2018 in the [[United States]], various local police forces warned the population about the dangers of the phenomenon. Some jurisdictions have received several complaints, but no jurisdiction reported anybody being harmed.<ref name=Illinois/> The Momo character has also appeared in the popular game ''[[Minecraft]]'' in the form of in-game skins and unofficial [[Modding|mods]] created by the game's users. A police officer in [[Ohio]] was concerned to see Momo in his son's copy of the game, worried about the possibility that the mod could lead to participation in the Momo Challenge. After news reports started to outline the link between the ''Minecraft'' mod and the Momo Challenge, [[Microsoft]] announced it was taking measures to "restrict access to the mod" in question.<ref name=fox2/><ref name=fox3/>

===South America===
In [[Argentina]], despite several media reports tentatively establishing a relationship between the Momo Challenge and the suicide of a 12-year-old girl from [[Ingeniero Maschwitz]], no link has been confirmed by authorities.<ref name=news9/><ref name=BATimes/><ref name=popular/>

Authorities in [[Brazil]] have not confirmed any case linked to the Momo Challenge. The national [[SaferNet]] non-profit organization has been approached by concerned parents and warned that this is only one of a variety of schemes to extort money and information from people.<ref name=BBCbr/>

The [[Colombia]]n police have not confirmed news reports linking the death of two youths in [[Barbosa, Santander|Barbosa]] to the Momo Challenge in early September.<ref name=Colombia1/>


==Picture==
==Picture==
Early news reports stating the image of Momo was of a [[sculpture]] by Japanese artist [[Midori Hayashi]] turned out to be incorrect. Hayashi indicated that it was not her piece, and Internet users identified [[Link Factory]], a Japanese special effects company, as the correct author of the sculpture.<ref name=heavy/>
Early news reports stating the image of Momo was of a sculpture by Japanese artist Midori Hayashi turned out to be incorrect. Hayashi indicated that it was not her piece, and Internet users identified Link Factory, a Japanese [[special effects]] company, as the correct author of the sculpture.<ref name=heavy/>


The sculpture has bulging eyes and a beak-like mouth. Pictures of the sculpture were first posted online in 2016, when it was publicly exhibited.<ref name=news9/><ref name=heavy/> The remainder of the sculpture, not always shown by "Momo" accounts of the media, consists of a small, bald, chicken-like body with avian feet and human [[breast]]s.<ref name="姑獲鳥" /> A photograph of a sculpture of an ''[[ubume]]'' (a ''[[yōkai]]'' or ghost) was popularly used to depict Momo.<ref name="姑獲鳥"/> The firm denies any involvement with the hoax. Japanese artist Keisuke Aiso confirmed in March 2019 that the sculpture had been thrown away in 2018, after its materials ([[natural rubber]] and plant oils) had decomposed.<ref name=ao/><ref name=momogone/>
The woman-like sculpture has pale, distorted skin, with long, unkempt hair. Its lidless eyes protrude outwards, creating a haunting effect, much similar to a [[potoo]], while its mouth is unnaturally wide, with a forming a grin adding to its eerie demeanor. Pictures of the sculpture were first posted online in 2016, when it was publicly exhibited.<ref name=news9/><ref name=heavy/> The firm denies any involvement with the hoax. Japanese artist Keisuke Aiso, the original creator of the sculpture, confirmed in March 2019 that the sculpture had been thrown away in 2018, after its materials ([[natural rubber]] and plant oils) had decomposed.<ref name=ao/><ref name=momogone/>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
On March 9, 2019, ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' parodied the meme with a video featuring [[Kate McKinnon]] as a terrifying chicken-suited fast food mascot named "Bok Bok," whom the narrator says "does bear a slight resemblance to the internet urban legend Momo." The narrator says, "We promise, Bok Bok is not Momo in a chicken suit," despite also being "a human-bird hybrid that loves the company of children." At the end, the narrator admits, "Yeah, that's probably Momo."<ref name="SNL">{{Cite web |date=2019-03-10 |title='SNL' parodies Momo with terrifying Bok Bok fast food chicken mascot |url=https://www.altpress.com/news/saturday-night-live-bok-bok-momo-parody/ |access-date=2021-12-21 |website=AltPress}}</ref>
[[Video game]]s based on the Momo Challenge have been published by various independent developers; in July 2018 by SirFatCat<ref>{{cite web |title=Momo |url=https://gamejolt.com/games/momo/354672 |website=Game Jolt |language=en}}</ref> and Indie_RU,<ref>{{cite web |title=Game Jolt - Indie games for the love of it |url=https://gamejolt.com/games/Momo/359407 |website=Game Jolt |language=en}}</ref> in August 2018 by Dymchick1<ref>{{cite web |title=MOMO.EXE on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/923470/MOMOEXE/ |website=Steampowered.com |language=en}}</ref> and in October 2018 by Caffeine.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Momo Game on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/954530/The_Momo_Game/ |website=Steampowered.com |language=en}}</ref> The player has to do various tasks and the goal is usually to survive before getting rescued.


The plot of the 2022 teen horror movie ''[[Grimcutty]]'' is a direct reference to the Momo Challenge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thibodeau |first=Jennifer |date=November 2022 |title=Wildly different Huluween offerings: Grimcutty and Matriarch |url=https://1428elm.com/2022/10/31/huluween-offerings-grimcutt-matriarch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101071433/https://1428elm.com/2022/10/31/huluween-offerings-grimcutt-matriarch/ |archive-date=1 November 2022 |access-date=18 December 2022 |website=Fansided}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Weston |first=Christopher |date=October 2022 |title=Is Grimcutty based on Momo Challenge? Inspiration explained |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/11/is-grimcutty-based-on-momo-challenge-inspiration-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011184103/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/11/is-grimcutty-based-on-momo-challenge-inspiration-explained/ |archive-date=11 October 2022 |access-date=18 December 2022 |website=HITC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shuman |first=Sean |date=23 October 2022 |title=Hulu's Grimcutty and Internet Horror: What Makes it Stand Out? |url=https://movieweb.com/hulu-grimcutty-what-makes-it-stand-out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023204714/https://movieweb.com/hulu-grimcutty-what-makes-it-stand-out/ |archive-date=23 October 2022 |access-date=18 December 2022 |website=Movieweb}}</ref>
The Momo Challenge will be used as a plot device in an upcoming teen [[horror film]] called ''[[Getaway (2020 film)|Getaway]]'', produced by Emagine Content, November 11 Pictures, SorenFilms Productions and Lady of the Light Productions. Stef Beaton, Alex Brown, Georgie Storm Waite, Rianne Sensing and [[Charlotte Spencer (actress)|Charlotte Spencer]] will play hapless youths who experience strange phenomena after one of them tells a story about Momo.<ref name=ohgoshtheyaremakingamovieoutofit/>


In July 2019, [[Orion Pictures]] announced the development of a film adaptation, with producers [[Roy Lee]] (with his production company [[Vertigo Entertainment]]) and Taka Ichise.<ref name="orionmomo">{{cite web |last1=Boucher |first1=Geoff |title=Remember Momo? Orion Pictures Adapting Viral Hoax As A Horror Film |url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/momo-challenge-orion-pictures-the-ring-producers-1202643927/ |website=Deadline |accessdate=18 September 2019}}</ref>
In July 2019, [[Orion Pictures]] said it was developing a film adaptation, with producers [[Roy Lee]] (with his production company [[Vertigo Entertainment]]) and Taka Ichise.<ref name="orionmomo">{{cite web |last1=Boucher |first1=Geoff |title=Remember Momo? Orion Pictures Adapting Viral Hoax As A Horror Film |url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/momo-challenge-orion-pictures-the-ring-producers-1202643927/ |website=Deadline |date=July 10, 2019 |access-date=18 September 2019}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
⚫
* [[Moral panic]]
* [[Cyberbullying]]
* [[Suicide and the Internet]]
* "[[Shut Up and Dance (Black Mirror)|Shut Up and Dance]]", an episode of television series ''[[Black Mirror]]'' which also involves text messages with increasingly disturbing challenges
* [[Elsagate]], a genuine phenomenon involving disturbing content in children's YouTube videos
* [[Blue Whale Challenge]], a similar alleged 'suicide game' revolving around the Internet
* [[Blue Whale Challenge]], a similar alleged 'suicide game' revolving around the Internet
* [[Choking game]]
* [[Blackout challenge]]


==References==
==References==
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<ref name=BBCbr>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/salasocial-44961410 |title=O que é a 'Momo do WhatsApp' e quais são os riscos que ela representa? |date=July 26, 2018 |work=BBC News (Portuguese edition)|access-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821011721/https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/salasocial-44961410|archive-date=August 21, 2018 |language=pt}}</ref>
<ref name=BBCbr>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/salasocial-44961410 |title=O que é a 'Momo do WhatsApp' e quais são os riscos que ela representa? |date=July 26, 2018 |work=BBC News (Portuguese edition)|access-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821011721/https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/salasocial-44961410|archive-date=August 21, 2018 |language=pt}}</ref>


<ref name=fox>{{Cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2018/08/02/sinister-momo-suicide-challenge-sparks-fear-as-it-spreads-on-whatsapp.html |title=Sinister 'Momo suicide challenge' sparks fear as it spreads on WhatsApp |last=Rogers |first=James |date=August 2, 2018 |work=Fox News|access-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821012325/http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2018/08/02/sinister-momo-suicide-challenge-sparks-fear-as-it-spreads-on-whatsapp.html|archive-date=August 21, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name=fox>{{Cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/sinister-momo-suicide-challenge-sparks-fear-as-it-spreads-on-whatsapp |title=Sinister 'Momo suicide challenge' sparks fear as it spreads on WhatsApp |last=Rogers |first=James |date=August 2, 2018 |work=Fox News|access-date=August 20, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821012325/http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2018/08/02/sinister-momo-suicide-challenge-sparks-fear-as-it-spreads-on-whatsapp.html|archive-date=August 21, 2018}}</ref>


<ref name=fox2>{{Cite news |url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/sick-whatsapp-momo-suicide-game-spreads-throughout-the-internet/news-story/55fbd2e9bd0ecc46eb3f6441fd2fe062 |title=Sick WhatsApp 'Momo suicide game' spreads throughout the internet |last=Webb |first=Sam |date=August 17, 2018 |work=Fox News|access-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821013135/https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/sick-whatsapp-momo-suicide-game-spreads-throughout-the-internet/news-story/55fbd2e9bd0ecc46eb3f6441fd2fe062|archive-date=August 21, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name=fox2>{{Cite news |url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/sick-whatsapp-momo-suicide-game-spreads-throughout-the-internet/news-story/55fbd2e9bd0ecc46eb3f6441fd2fe062 |title=Sick WhatsApp 'Momo suicide game' spreads throughout the internet |last=Webb |first=Sam |date=August 17, 2018 |work=Fox News|access-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821013135/https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/sick-whatsapp-momo-suicide-game-spreads-throughout-the-internet/news-story/55fbd2e9bd0ecc46eb3f6441fd2fe062|archive-date=August 21, 2018}}</ref>


<ref name=fox3>{{Cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2018/08/18/microsoft-clamps-down-on-sick-momo-suicide-game-in-minecraft.html |title=Microsoft clamps down on sick 'Momo suicide game' in 'Minecraft' |last=Rogers |first=James |date=July 18, 2018 |work=Fox News|access-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821013948/http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2018/08/18/microsoft-clamps-down-on-sick-momo-suicide-game-in-minecraft.html|archive-date=August 21, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name=fox3>{{Cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/microsoft-clamps-down-on-sick-momo-suicide-game-in-minecraft |title=Microsoft clamps down on sick 'Momo suicide game' in 'Minecraft' |last=Rogers |first=James |date=July 18, 2018 |work=Fox News|access-date=August 20, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821013948/http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2018/08/18/microsoft-clamps-down-on-sick-momo-suicide-game-in-minecraft.html|archive-date=August 21, 2018}}</ref>


<ref name=long>{{Cite news |url=http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/justice-et-faits-divers/actualites-judiciaires/201808/18/01-5193450-le-momo-challenge-cible-des-jeunes-a-longueuil.php |title=Le "Momo challenge" cible des jeunes à Longueuil |date=August 18, 2018 |work=La Presse / Presse canadienne|access-date=August 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821015110/http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/justice-et-faits-divers/actualites-judiciaires/201808/18/01-5193450-le-momo-challenge-cible-des-jeunes-a-longueuil.php|archive-date=August 21, 2018 |language=fr}}</ref>
<ref name=long>{{Cite news |url=http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/justice-et-faits-divers/actualites-judiciaires/201808/18/01-5193450-le-momo-challenge-cible-des-jeunes-a-longueuil.php |title=Le "Momo challenge" cible des jeunes à Longueuil |date=August 18, 2018 |work=La Presse / Presse canadienne|access-date=August 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821015110/http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/justice-et-faits-divers/actualites-judiciaires/201808/18/01-5193450-le-momo-challenge-cible-des-jeunes-a-longueuil.php|archive-date=August 21, 2018 |language=fr}}</ref>
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<ref name=Statesman>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/engineering-student-commits-suicide-was-playing-momo-challenge-1502680333.html|title=Engineering student commits suicide, was playing 'Momo Challenge'|date=September 1, 2018|work=The Statesman|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905103725/https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/engineering-student-commits-suicide-was-playing-momo-challenge-1502680333.html|archive-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name=Statesman>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/engineering-student-commits-suicide-was-playing-momo-challenge-1502680333.html|title=Engineering student commits suicide, was playing 'Momo Challenge'|date=September 1, 2018|work=The Statesman|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905103725/https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/engineering-student-commits-suicide-was-playing-momo-challenge-1502680333.html|archive-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

<ref name=Colombia1>{{Cite news|url=http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2018/september/sinister-momo-online-game-linked-to-childrens-suicides-in-colombia|title=Sinister 'Momo' Online Game Linked to Children's Suicides in Colombia|last=Warren|first=Steve|date=September 4, 2018|work=CBN News|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905104223/http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2018/september/sinister-momo-online-game-linked-to-childrens-suicides-in-colombia|archive-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>


<ref name=Magid>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2018/09/21/dire-warnings-about-children-dying-because-of-apps-and-games-are-a-form-of-juvenoia/|title=Dire warnings about children dying because of apps and games are a form of 'juvenoia'|last=Magid|first=Larry|date=September 21, 2018|website=Parenting for a Digital Future|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008175100/http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2018/09/21/dire-warnings-about-children-dying-because-of-apps-and-games-are-a-form-of-juvenoia/|archive-date=October 8, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=October 8, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name=Magid>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2018/09/21/dire-warnings-about-children-dying-because-of-apps-and-games-are-a-form-of-juvenoia/|title=Dire warnings about children dying because of apps and games are a form of 'juvenoia'|last=Magid|first=Larry|date=September 21, 2018|website=Parenting for a Digital Future|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008175100/http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2018/09/21/dire-warnings-about-children-dying-because-of-apps-and-games-are-a-form-of-juvenoia/|archive-date=October 8, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=October 8, 2018}}</ref>
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<ref name=safeint>{{Cite web|url=https://www.saferinternet.at/news-detail/achtung-hoax-gruselige-nachrichten-auf-whatsapp-von-momo/|title=Achtung HOAX! Gruselige Nachrichten von Momo|language=de|date=July 26, 2018|website=Austrian Ser Internet Center|access-date=October 8, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name=safeint>{{Cite web|url=https://www.saferinternet.at/news-detail/achtung-hoax-gruselige-nachrichten-auf-whatsapp-von-momo/|title=Achtung HOAX! Gruselige Nachrichten von Momo|language=de|date=July 26, 2018|website=Austrian Ser Internet Center|access-date=October 8, 2018}}</ref>


<ref name=lemonde>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2018/09/18/momo-challenge-itineraire-d-une-psychose-collective_5356850_4408996.html|title=" Momo Challenge " sur WhatsApp : itinéraire d’une psychose collective|last=Audureau|first=William|date=September 18, 2018|work=Le Monde|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008151756/https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2018/09/18/momo-challenge-itineraire-d-une-psychose-collective_5356850_4408996.html|archive-date=October 8, 2018|language=fr}}</ref>
<ref name=lemonde>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2018/09/18/momo-challenge-itineraire-d-une-psychose-collective_5356850_4408996.html|title=" Momo Challenge " sur WhatsApp : itinéraire d'une psychose collective|last=Audureau|first=William|date=September 18, 2018|work=Le Monde|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008151756/https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2018/09/18/momo-challenge-itineraire-d-une-psychose-collective_5356850_4408996.html|archive-date=October 8, 2018|language=fr}}</ref>


<ref name=wapost>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/09/05/the-momo-challenge-a-sinister-threat-to-young-people-or-an-urban-myth/|title=The 'Momo Challenge': A sinister threat to young people or an urban myth?|last=Chiu|first=Allyson|date=September 5, 2018|work=The Washington Post|access-date=October 8, 2018}}{{dead link|date=May 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
<ref name=wapost>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/09/05/the-momo-challenge-a-sinister-threat-to-young-people-or-an-urban-myth/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906053221/https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/09/05/the-momo-challenge-a-sinister-threat-to-young-people-or-an-urban-myth/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2018|title=The 'Momo Challenge': A sinister threat to young people or an urban myth?|last=Chiu|first=Allyson|date=September 5, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=October 8, 2018}}</ref>


<ref name=panic>{{Cite news|url=https://entertainment.ie/trending/the-momo-challenge-is-a-perfect-example-of-moral-panic-in-the-age-of-social-media-391286/|title=The 'Momo' Challenge is a perfect example of moral panic in the age of social media|last=Lloyd|first=Brian|date=January 22, 2019|work=Entertainment.ie|access-date=January 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224063800/https://entertainment.ie/trending/the-momo-challenge-is-a-perfect-example-of-moral-panic-in-the-age-of-social-media-391286/|archive-date=February 24, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=panic>{{Cite news|url=https://entertainment.ie/trending/the-momo-challenge-is-a-perfect-example-of-moral-panic-in-the-age-of-social-media-391286/|title=The 'Momo' Challenge is a perfect example of moral panic in the age of social media|last=Lloyd|first=Brian|date=January 22, 2019|work=Entertainment.ie|access-date=January 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224063800/https://entertainment.ie/trending/the-momo-challenge-is-a-perfect-example-of-moral-panic-in-the-age-of-social-media-391286/|archive-date=February 24, 2019}}</ref>
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<ref name=york>{{Cite web|url=https://www.minsterfm.com/news/local/2812673/york-school-warning-over-internet-momo-character/|title=York school warning over internet Momo character|last=Dunning|first=Daniel|date=February 22, 2019|website=Minster FM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227142038/https://www.minsterfm.com/news/local/2812673/york-school-warning-over-internet-momo-character/|archive-date=February 27, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=February 27, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=york>{{Cite web|url=https://www.minsterfm.com/news/local/2812673/york-school-warning-over-internet-momo-character/|title=York school warning over internet Momo character|last=Dunning|first=Daniel|date=February 22, 2019|website=Minster FM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227142038/https://www.minsterfm.com/news/local/2812673/york-school-warning-over-internet-momo-character/|archive-date=February 27, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=February 27, 2019}}</ref>


<ref name=RS>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/what-is-momo-challenge-800470/|title=What Is the Momo Challenge?|author=Ej Dickson|date=26 February 2019|accessdate=27 February 2019|publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref>
<ref name=RS>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/what-is-momo-challenge-800470/|title=What Is the Momo Challenge?|first=Ej|last=Dickson|date=26 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref>


<ref name=BR>{{Cite web|url=https://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/the_momo_challenge_and_the_blue_whale_game_online_suicide_game_conspiracies|title=The 'Momo Challenge' and the 'Blue Whale Game': Online Suicide Game Conspiracies|last=Radford|first=Benjamin|date=February 27, 2019|website=Skeptical Inquirer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228170347/https://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/the_momo_challenge_and_the_blue_whale_game_online_suicide_game_conspiracies|archive-date=February 28, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=February 28, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=BR>{{Cite web|url=https://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/the_momo_challenge_and_the_blue_whale_game_online_suicide_game_conspiracies|title=The 'Momo Challenge' and the 'Blue Whale Game': Online Suicide Game Conspiracies|last=Radford|first=Benjamin|date=February 27, 2019|website=Skeptical Inquirer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228170347/https://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/the_momo_challenge_and_the_blue_whale_game_online_suicide_game_conspiracies|archive-date=February 28, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=February 28, 2019}}</ref>
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<ref name=snopes>{{Cite web|url=https://www.snopes.com/news/2019/02/26/momo-challenge-suicide-game/|title=How Much of a Threat Is the Purported 'Momo Challenge' Suicide Game?|last=Mikkleson|first=David|date=February 26, 2019|website=Snopes|access-date=March 1, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=snopes>{{Cite web|url=https://www.snopes.com/news/2019/02/26/momo-challenge-suicide-game/|title=How Much of a Threat Is the Purported 'Momo Challenge' Suicide Game?|last=Mikkleson|first=David|date=February 26, 2019|website=Snopes|access-date=March 1, 2019}}</ref>


<ref name=Gu>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/feb/28/viral-momo-challenge-is-a-malicious-hoax-say-charities|title=Viral 'Momo challenge' is a malicious hoax, say charities|last=Waterson|first=Jim|date=2019-02-28|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-02-28|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
<ref name=UK>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/96248/what-is-the-momo-suicide-challenge-and-is-it-dangerous|title=Momo challenge: what is it, why is it dangerous and what is the advice for parents?|website=The Week UK|date=September 4, 2018 |access-date=2019-02-28}}</ref>

<ref name=UK>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/96248/what-is-the-momo-suicide-challenge-and-is-it-dangerous|title=Momo challenge: what is it, why is it dangerous and what is the advice for parents?|website=The Week UK|access-date=2019-02-28}}</ref>

<ref name=Gu2>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/feb/28/schools-police-and-media-told-to-stop-promoting-momo-hoax|title=Schools, police and media told to stop promoting Momo hoax|last=Waterson|first=Jim|date=2019-02-28|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-02-28|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


<ref name=BBCn>{{Citation|last=BBC Newsnight|title=Momo Challenge: The viral hoax|date=2019-02-28|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aZ4GmndJ-0|access-date=2019-03-01}}</ref>
<ref name=BBCn>{{Citation|last=BBC Newsnight|title=Momo Challenge: The viral hoax|date=2019-02-28|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aZ4GmndJ-0|access-date=2019-03-01}}</ref>


<ref name=Phil>{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/27/19/online-challenge-tinitingnan-sa-kaso-ng-batang-namatay-sa-overdose|title=Online challenge, tinitingnan sa kaso ng batang namatay sa overdose|language=fil|date=27 February 2019|author1=Jeck Batallones|author2=Raffy Santos|publisher=[[ABS-CBN News]]|access-date=27 February 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=Phil>{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/27/19/online-challenge-tinitingnan-sa-kaso-ng-batang-namatay-sa-overdose|title=Online challenge, tinitingnan sa kaso ng batang namatay sa overdose|language=fil|date=27 February 2019|first1=Jeck|last1=Batallones|first2=Raffy|last2=Santos|publisher=[[ABS-CBN News]]|access-date=27 February 2019}}</ref>


<ref name=abs>{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/27/19/filipino-mom-flags-daughters-disturbing-act-amid-youtube-addiction|title=Filipino mom flags daughter's 'disturbing' act amid Youtube addiction|date=27 February 2019|publisher=[[ABS-CBN News]]|access-date=27 February 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=abs>{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/27/19/filipino-mom-flags-daughters-disturbing-act-amid-youtube-addiction|title=Filipino mom flags daughter's 'disturbing' act amid Youtube addiction|date=27 February 2019|publisher=[[ABS-CBN News]]|access-date=27 February 2019}}</ref>
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<ref name=Sam>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/feb/28/viral-momo-challenge-is-a-malicious-hoax-say-charities|title=Viral 'Momo challenge' is a malicious hoax, say charities|last=Waterson|first=Jim|date=February 28, 2019|website=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302120625/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/feb/28/viral-momo-challenge-is-a-malicious-hoax-say-charities|archive-date=March 2, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=March 2, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=Sam>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/feb/28/viral-momo-challenge-is-a-malicious-hoax-say-charities|title=Viral 'Momo challenge' is a malicious hoax, say charities|last=Waterson|first=Jim|date=February 28, 2019|website=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302120625/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/feb/28/viral-momo-challenge-is-a-malicious-hoax-say-charities|archive-date=March 2, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=March 2, 2019}}</ref>


<ref name=momogone>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/momo-sculpture-destroyed-keisuke-aiso-802627/|title=‘Momo Challenge’ Sculpture Has Been Destroyed|last=Dickson|first=EJ|date=March 4, 2019|work=Rolling Stones|access-date=March 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305175722/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/momo-sculpture-destroyed-keisuke-aiso-802627/|archive-date=March 5, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=momogone>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/momo-sculpture-destroyed-keisuke-aiso-802627/|title='Momo Challenge' Sculpture Has Been Destroyed|last=Dickson|first=EJ|date=March 4, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=March 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305175722/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/momo-sculpture-destroyed-keisuke-aiso-802627/|archive-date=March 5, 2019}}</ref>


<ref name=itv>{{Citation|last=This Morning|title=The Momo Challenge That's Terrifying Parents|date=2019-02-28|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOSOibDVcLA|access-date=2019-03-01}}</ref>
<ref name=itv>{{Citation|last=This Morning|title=The Momo Challenge That's Terrifying Parents|date=2019-02-28|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOSOibDVcLA|access-date=2019-03-01}}</ref>


<ref name=wir>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/story/momo-hoax-viral-scares-advice/|title=How not to fall for viral scares|last=Dreyfuss|first=Emily|date=February 28, 2019|website=Wired|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313013919/https://www.wired.com/story/momo-hoax-viral-scares-advice/|archive-date=March 13, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=March 12, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=wir>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/momo-hoax-viral-scares-advice/|title=How not to fall for viral scares|last=Dreyfuss|first=Emily|date=February 28, 2019|magazine=Wired|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313013919/https://www.wired.com/story/momo-hoax-viral-scares-advice/|archive-date=March 13, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=March 12, 2019}}</ref>


<ref name="JA Verge">{{cite news |last1=Alexander |first1=Julia |title=YouTube is demonetizing all videos about Momo |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/1/18244890/momo-youtube-news-hoax-demonetization-comments-kids |accessdate=7 March 2019 |work=The Verge |date=1 March 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="JA Verge">{{cite news |last1=Alexander |first1=Julia |title=YouTube is demonetizing all videos about Momo |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/1/18244890/momo-youtube-news-hoax-demonetization-comments-kids |access-date=7 March 2019 |work=The Verge |date=1 March 2019}}</ref>


<ref name=cbss>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kim-kardashian-warns-parents-of-momo-challenge-youtube-take-action/|title=Kim Kardashian warns parents of "Momo challenge," but YouTube says it sees no evidence|author=Sophie Lewis|publisher=CBS News|date=28 February 2019|accessdate=4 March 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=cbss>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kim-kardashian-warns-parents-of-momo-challenge-youtube-take-action/|title=Kim Kardashian warns parents of "Momo challenge," but YouTube says it sees no evidence|first=Sophie|last=Lewis|work=CBS News|date=28 February 2019|access-date=4 March 2019}}</ref>


<ref name="O'Malley">{{cite news |last1=O'Malley |first1=Katie |title=Momo 'challenge' appearing in Peppa Pig YouTube videos, parents are warned |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/momo-challenge-youtube-fortnite-peppa-pig-video-parents-a8799776.html |accessdate=8 March 2019 |work=The Independent |date=27 February 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="O'Malley">{{cite news |last1=O'Malley |first1=Katie |title=Momo 'challenge' appearing in Peppa Pig YouTube videos, parents are warned |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/momo-challenge-youtube-fortnite-peppa-pig-video-parents-a8799776.html |access-date=8 March 2019 |work=The Independent |date=27 February 2019}}</ref>


<ref name=BB>{{Cite web|url=https://boingboing.net/2019/03/01/razors-in-halloween-candy.html|title=Satanic Panic 2.0: The Momo Challenge hoax [TW: Self-harm/suicide]|website=Boing Boing|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-01}}</ref>
<ref name=BB>{{Cite web|url=https://boingboing.net/2019/03/01/razors-in-halloween-candy.html|title=Satanic Panic 2.0: The Momo Challenge hoax [TW: Self-harm/suicide]|website=Boing Boing|date=March 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-01}}</ref>

⚫
<ref name=LM>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2018/11/05/momo-challenge-un-pere-porte-plainte-contre-youtube-whatsapp-et-l-etat_5379254_1653578.html|title=" Momo challenge " : un père porte plainte contre YouTube, WhatsApp et l’Etat|work=Le Monde.fr|access-date=2018-11-08|language=fr-FR}}</ref>


<ref name=prot>{{cite video|title=PROTECT OUR CHILDREN! THE BLUE WHALE AND THE MOMO CHALLENGE EXPOSED!|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO0oOWUnk_M|publisher=Nico David|date=February 27, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=prot>{{cite video|title=PROTECT OUR CHILDREN! THE BLUE WHALE AND THE MOMO CHALLENGE EXPOSED!|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO0oOWUnk_M|publisher=Nico David|date=February 27, 2019}}</ref>
Line 186: Line 158:
<ref name=wag>{{cite video|title=Wag mong gagawin ang BLUE WHALE at MOMO CHALLENGE|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLRQslAxfWE|publisher=Claro the Third|date=February 28, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=wag>{{cite video|title=Wag mong gagawin ang BLUE WHALE at MOMO CHALLENGE|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLRQslAxfWE|publisher=Claro the Third|date=February 28, 2019}}</ref>


<ref name=ao>{{cite web|url=https://www.asiaone.com/world/momo-sculptor-has-thrown-away-creation-feels-responsible-fake-challenge|title='Momo' sculptor has thrown away creation, feels 'responsible' for fake challenge|website=AsiaOne|accessdate=March 5, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=ao>{{cite web|url=https://www.asiaone.com/world/momo-sculptor-has-thrown-away-creation-feels-responsible-fake-challenge|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044213/https://www.asiaone.com/world/momo-sculptor-has-thrown-away-creation-feels-responsible-fake-challenge|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 6, 2019|title='Momo' sculptor has thrown away creation, feels 'responsible' for fake challenge|website=AsiaOne|access-date=March 5, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name=private>{{Cite news |last=Waterson |first=Jim |date=1 March 2019 |title=Private firm defends school factsheet on Momo hoax |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/mar/01/private-firm-defends-school-factsheet-on-momo-hoax |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129072145/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/mar/01/private-firm-defends-school-factsheet-on-momo-hoax |archive-date=29 November 2022}}</ref>

<ref name=stop>{{Cite news |last=Waterson |first=Jim |date=1 March 2018 |title=Momo hoax: schools, police and media told to stop promoting viral challenge |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/feb/28/schools-police-and-media-told-to-stop-promoting-momo-hoax |access-date=18 December 2022|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003004301/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/feb/28/schools-police-and-media-told-to-stop-promoting-momo-hoax |archive-date=3 October 2022}}</ref>

<ref name=study>{{Cite journal|last1=Inwood|first1=Olivia|last2=Zappavigna|first2=Michele|date=2021-02-10|title=Ambient affiliation, misinformation and moral panic: Negotiating social bonds in a YouTube internet hoax|url=https://doi.org/10.1177/1750481321989838|journal=Discourse & Communication|volume=15|issue=3|language=en|pages=281–307|doi=10.1177/1750481321989838|s2cid=233907285|issn=1750-4813}}</ref>

<!--
⚫
<ref name="姑獲鳥">{{cite web |author1=Vanilla Gallery |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BlQlfA2Biju/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BlQlfA2Biju |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|website=Instagram |access-date=4 September 2018 |language=en, ja |title=MOTHER-BIRD by #LinkFactory/#KeisukeAisawa (2016, On Display at @vanillagallery_jp) #BetweenMirrors |date=15 July 2018 |quote=LINK FACTORY謹製姑獲鳥と一緒に写真を撮ろう！こちらの作品は攝影可能です!! とびっきりのスマイルでハイ、チーズ!}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


⚫
<ref name=LM>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2018/11/05/momo-challenge-un-pere-porte-plainte-contre-youtube-whatsapp-et-l-etat_5379254_1653578.html|title=" Momo challenge " : un père porte plainte contre YouTube, WhatsApp et l'Etat|work=Le Monde.fr|access-date=2018-11-08|language=fr-FR}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="姑獲鳥">{{cite web |author1=Vanilla Gallery |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BlQlfA2Biju/ |website=Instagram |accessdate=4 September 2018 |language=en, ja |title=MOTHER-BIRD by #LinkFactory/#KeisukeAisawa (2016, On Display at @vanillagallery_jp) #BetweenMirrors |date=15 July 2018 |quote=LINK FACTORY謹製姑獲鳥と一緒に写真を撮ろう！こちらの作品は攝影可能です!! とびっきりのスマイルでハイ、チーズ!}}</ref>


<ref name=ohgoshtheyaremakingamovieoutofit>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/lance-reddick-faith-based-rapper-yg-tuscaloosa-getaway-horror-film-cast-1202614920/|title=Lance Reddick Joins ‘Faith Based’; Rapper YG Cast In ‘Tuscaloosa’; ‘Getaway’ Horror Film Sets Cast|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|date=May 14, 2019|website=Deadline|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518213629/https://deadline.com/2019/05/lance-reddick-faith-based-rapper-yg-tuscaloosa-getaway-horror-film-cast-1202614920/|archive-date=May 18, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 17, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name=Colombia1>{{Cite news|url=http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2018/september/sinister-momo-online-game-linked-to-childrens-suicides-in-colombia|title=Sinister 'Momo' Online Game Linked to Children's Suicides in Colombia|last=Warren|first=Steve|date=September 4, 2018|work=CBN News|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905104223/http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2018/september/sinister-momo-online-game-linked-to-childrens-suicides-in-colombia|archive-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref> remember kids, momo loves yooou!!! :)
-->


}}
}}


{{Challenges}}
{{Challenges}}
{{Urban legends}}


[[Category:Challenges]]
[[Category:Internet challenges]]
[[Category:Urban legends]]
[[Category:Urban legends]]
[[Category:2018 hoaxes]]
[[Category:2018 hoaxes]]
[[Category:2019 hoaxes]]
[[Category:2019 hoaxes]]
[[Category:2018 in internet culture]]
[[Category:2018 in Internet culture]]
[[Category:2019 in internet culture]]
[[Category:2019 in Internet culture]]
⚫
[[Category:Moral panic]]
[[Category:Scares]]
[[Category:Suicide and the Internet]]
[[Category:Suicide and the Internet]]
[[Category:Internet memes introduced in 2018]]
[[Category:Internet memes introduced in 2018]]

Latest revision as of 19:24, 1 January 2025

The "Momo Challenge" is a hoax and an internet urban legend that was rumoured to spread through social media and other outlets. It was reported that children and adolescents were being harassed by a user named Momo to perform a series of dangerous tasks including violent attacks, self-harm, harming others, and suicide. Despite claims that the phenomenon had reached worldwide proportions in July 2018, the number of actual complaints was relatively small and many law enforcement agencies have not been able to confirm that anyone was harmed as a direct result of it. Moreover, the Momo Challenge sparked global panic and prompted urgent warnings from authorities and child safety advocates. Reports of children encountering Momo's disturbing messages circulated widely, causing heightened fears among parents and caregivers.

Chronology

[edit]

Internet scare

[edit]

Discussions among YouTube commentators about a new internet phenomenon promoting self-harm similar to the Blue Whale Challenge surfaced in July 2018, followed in August by news items reporting allegations that cases of self-harm by children in South America and India had been prompted by WhatsApp messages.[1] Reports were based on stories of teenagers being targeted by people presenting themselves as a character named Momo, trying to persuade people to contact them through their cell phones. As with the aforementioned Blue Whale Challenge, and other Internet hoaxes presented as challenges, players are then instructed to perform a series of tasks; refusal to do so is met with threats and gory pictures.[2][3][4]

In France, a group at the Ministry of the Interior was reviewing the situation daily in late July 2018.[5] Public warnings were issued in August and September by police forces in countries including Argentina,[3][4][6] Germany,[7] Luxembourg,[8] Spain,[9] Canada,[10][11][12] Mexico[3][13] and the United States.[14]

A representation of the Momo character appeared in the popular game Minecraft in the form of player-made game skins and an unofficial mod created by the game's users. A police officer in Ohio was concerned to see Momo in his son's copy of the game, worried about the possibility that the mod could lead to participation in the Momo Challenge. After news reports started to outline the link between the Minecraft mod and the Momo Challenge, Microsoft announced it was taking measures to "restrict access to the mod" in question.[15][16]

After weeks of news coverage about unconfirmed cases and warnings issued by the West Bengal police and the Mumbai police, India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in West Bengal indicated on August 29, 2018, that claims reported in the media about the death of two teens being linked to the Momo Challenge were "far fetched and devoid of any evidence". CBI believed most of the large volume of Momo Challenge invitations in India originate locally as pranks sent to spread panic. A CBI spokesperson stated that "so far, the game has not claimed any victim, nor has anyone approached us saying they have played even the first level of it."[1][17][18][19][20] The police could not confirm any role the Momo Challenge might have played in the death of a girl in grade 10 who died by suicide after leaving a note expressing discouragement with lower grades or the suicide of an engineering student in Madras.[21][22][23] The Odisha Police already issued an advisory asking the media to refrain from publishing unconfirmed reports linking teen death to the Momo Challenge.[24]

Pakistan's Minister of Information Technology announced that the government intended to draft legislation making it a crime to distribute both the Momo Challenge and the Blue Whale Challenge.[25][26]

WhatsApp encouraged its users to block phone numbers engaging in this practice and to report them to the company.[2][27][28][29][30] By September 2018, most phone numbers supposedly associated with "Momo" were out of service and the news coverage of the phenomenon decreased.[31][32][33][34]

Police in the Philippines issued warnings to parents to be vigilant of their children's online activity after an 11-year-old boy died from apparent suicide by drug overdose on 11 January 2019, linking the incident to the viral challenge, although no official confirmation of direct relation to the incident has been established by the authorities.[35][36] In the aftermath of the reports, Raffy Tulfo and other YouTubers voiced their condolences to the family, encouraging that children be monitored by their parents. They also linked the Blue Whale Challenge to the incident.[37][38]

Worldwide moral panic

[edit]

In February 2019, the Police Service of Northern Ireland posted a public warning on Facebook, and American media personality Kim Kardashian posted on her Instagram Story pleading for YouTube to remove alleged "Momo" videos.[28][29] At that point, people reported seeing Momo pop up on a variety of platforms, including YouTube and YouTube Kids videos about Peppa Pig and Fortnite. The hoax had reached the status of a worldwide moral panic.[28][29][30] More advisories were issued from police forces, schools and organizations dedicated to internet consumer safety,[39][27][40] although some of the warnings were more concerned with identity theft by cybercriminals than the possibility of self-harm.[30][9]

By March, several experts including the Children's Commissioner for England were asking the media and authorities to cease amplifying what increasingly looked like a case of moral panic. Authorities had not confirmed any physical harm resulting from the phenomenon, or even that any sustained exchange of messages took place between the Momo character and anybody.[41] Responding to tabloid coverage which asserted the challenge to be true, the NSPCC, the Samaritans, and the UK Safer Internet Centre declared the Momo Challenge a hoax.[42][43][44] A parent who alerted the press to the Momo Challenge subsequently said her child had not received messages from "Momo", but was merely told about it in a school playground conversation.[45]

Analysis

[edit]

Web security experts and folklorists studying urban legends have stated that the phenomenon is likely a case of moral panic: a sensationalized hoax fuelled by unverified media reports.[46][47][48][49][50][51] Benjamin Radford stated that "the Blue Whale Game and the Momo Challenge have all the hallmarks of a classic moral panic",[52] "fuelled by parents' fears in wanting to know what their kids are up to. There's an inherent fear in what young people are doing with technology."[28][53]

The founder of fact-checking site Snopes, David Mikkelson, doubts anybody actually came to any harm and said the whole thing "may primarily be a product of bullies and pranksters latching onto a handy mechanism to goad and torment vulnerable youngsters rather than an intrinsic part of a particular social media challenge."[45]

In response to the reports in early 2019, YouTube has said that it has "not received any links to videos showing or promoting the Momo challenge on YouTube" but permits news stories and videos intended to raise awareness of and educate against the alleged phenomenon.[30] The website has demonetized all videos mentioning Momo, including those of news organizations, saying such content violates its advertiser-friendly content guidelines. It has also placed advisory warnings on some Momo videos alerting viewers of "inappropriate or offensive" content.[54]

Picture

[edit]

Early news reports stating the image of Momo was of a sculpture by Japanese artist Midori Hayashi turned out to be incorrect. Hayashi indicated that it was not her piece, and Internet users identified Link Factory, a Japanese special effects company, as the correct author of the sculpture.[13]

The woman-like sculpture has pale, distorted skin, with long, unkempt hair. Its lidless eyes protrude outwards, creating a haunting effect, much similar to a potoo, while its mouth is unnaturally wide, with a forming a grin adding to its eerie demeanor. Pictures of the sculpture were first posted online in 2016, when it was publicly exhibited.[3][13] The firm denies any involvement with the hoax. Japanese artist Keisuke Aiso, the original creator of the sculpture, confirmed in March 2019 that the sculpture had been thrown away in 2018, after its materials (natural rubber and plant oils) had decomposed.[55][50]

[edit]

On March 9, 2019, Saturday Night Live parodied the meme with a video featuring Kate McKinnon as a terrifying chicken-suited fast food mascot named "Bok Bok," whom the narrator says "does bear a slight resemblance to the internet urban legend Momo." The narrator says, "We promise, Bok Bok is not Momo in a chicken suit," despite also being "a human-bird hybrid that loves the company of children." At the end, the narrator admits, "Yeah, that's probably Momo."[56]

The plot of the 2022 teen horror movie Grimcutty is a direct reference to the Momo Challenge.[57][58][59]

In July 2019, Orion Pictures said it was developing a film adaptation, with producers Roy Lee (with his production company Vertigo Entertainment) and Taka Ichise.[60]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "CID: Momo Challenge invites locally generated". The India Times. August 29, 2018. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved August 29, 2018.
  2. ^ a b Rogers, James (August 2, 2018). "Sinister 'Momo suicide challenge' sparks fear as it spreads on WhatsApp". Fox News. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d Noble, Freya (August 2, 2018). "What is Momo? Terrifying 'challenge' linked to 12-year-old's suicide". 9 News. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Police suspect 12-year-old girl's suicide linked to WhatsApp terror game Momo". Buenos Aires Times. July 25, 2018. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  5. ^ de Fournas, Marie (August 20, 2018). "Quels sont les véritables risques qui entourent le "Momo Challenge"?". 20 Minutes (in French). Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  6. ^ Rohlefer, Franz (August 18, 2018). ""Momo"-Challenge bei WhatsApp: Polizei warnt vor Selbstmord-Spiel". Merkur (in German). Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  7. ^ "Le "Momo Challenge" est arrivé au Luxembourg". Le Quotidien (in French). August 18, 2018. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  8. ^ a b "O que é a 'Momo do WhatsApp' e quais são os riscos que ela representa?". BBC News (Portuguese edition) (in Portuguese). July 26, 2018. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  9. ^ "Le "Momo challenge" cible des jeunes à Longueuil". La Presse / Presse canadienne (in French). August 18, 2018. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  10. ^ Pion, Isabelle (August 20, 2018). "Momo Challenge atteint l'Estrie". La tribune (in French). Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  11. ^ "Gatineau police, experts warn about 'Momo Challenge'". CBC News. August 20, 2018. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  12. ^ a b c Dube Dwilson, Stephanie (August 6, 2018). "Momo Challenge: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". Heavy. Archived from the original on August 20, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  13. ^ Nguyen, Em (August 6, 2018). "Warning to local parents about "Momo Suicide Challenge"". Fox News Illinois. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  14. ^ Webb, Sam (August 17, 2018). "Sick WhatsApp 'Momo suicide game' spreads throughout the internet". Fox News. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  15. ^ Rogers, James (July 18, 2018). "Microsoft clamps down on sick 'Momo suicide game' in 'Minecraft'". Fox News. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  16. ^ Ghosh, Dwaypayan (August 23, 2018). "Cop alert against Momo Challenge". The Times of India. Archived from the original on August 23, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  17. ^ "Jalpaiguri college girl invited to play virtual suicide game Momo Challenge, files police complaint". Hindustan Times. August 22, 2018. Archived from the original on August 23, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  18. ^ "West Bengal Girl Gets Call For New Suicide Game "Momo Challenge"". Press Trust of India. August 22, 2018. Archived from the original on August 23, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  19. ^ "Say No No to MoMo: Mumbai Police issues warning against deadly Momo Challenge". The Indian Express. August 19, 2018. Archived from the original on August 23, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  20. ^ "Momo challenge claims first life in India, Class 10 student commits suicide in Ajmer". Mirror Now News. August 21, 2018. Archived from the original on August 22, 2018. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  21. ^ "Engineering student commits suicide, was playing 'Momo Challenge'". The Statesman. September 1, 2018. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  22. ^ Patnaik, Devbrat (September 5, 2018). "Momo Challenge: Family Blames Momo After Youth Commits Suicide". OdishaTV. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  23. ^ "Odisha Police issues advisory on deadly 'Momo Challenge' game". The Statesman. September 5, 2018. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  24. ^ "Pakistan says no space for Blue Whale, Momo challenge". Pakistan Today. September 2, 2018. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  25. ^ "Blue Whale and Momo challenge banned in Pakistan". The Tribune. September 2, 2018. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  26. ^ a b Dunning, Daniel (February 22, 2019). "York school warning over internet Momo character". Minster FM. Archived from the original on February 27, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  27. ^ a b c d Dickson, Ej (February 26, 2019). "What Is the Momo Challenge?". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  28. ^ a b c Lewis, Sophie (February 28, 2019). "Kim Kardashian warns parents of "Momo challenge," but YouTube says it sees no evidence". CBS News. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  29. ^ a b c d O'Malley, Katie (February 27, 2019). "Momo 'challenge' appearing in Peppa Pig YouTube videos, parents are warned". The Independent. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  30. ^ Magid, Larry (September 21, 2018). "Dire warnings about children dying because of apps and games are a form of 'juvenoia'". Parenting for a Digital Future. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  31. ^ "Achtung HOAX! Gruselige Nachrichten von Momo". Austrian Ser Internet Center (in German). July 26, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  32. ^ Audureau, William (September 18, 2018). "" Momo Challenge " sur WhatsApp : itinéraire d'une psychose collective". Le Monde (in French). Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  33. ^ Chiu, Allyson (September 5, 2018). "The 'Momo Challenge': A sinister threat to young people or an urban myth?". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  34. ^ Batallones, Jeck; Santos, Raffy (February 27, 2019). "Online challenge, tinitingnan sa kaso ng batang namatay sa overdose" (in Filipino). ABS-CBN News. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  35. ^ "Filipino mom flags daughter's 'disturbing' act amid Youtube addiction". ABS-CBN News. February 27, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  36. ^ PROTECT OUR CHILDREN! THE BLUE WHALE AND THE MOMO CHALLENGE EXPOSED!. Nico David. February 27, 2019.
  37. ^ Wag mong gagawin ang BLUE WHALE at MOMO CHALLENGE. Claro the Third. February 28, 2019.
  38. ^ Waterson, Jim (March 1, 2019). "Private firm defends school factsheet on Momo hoax". The Guardian. Archived from the original on November 29, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  39. ^ This Morning (February 28, 2019), The Momo Challenge That's Terrifying Parents, retrieved March 1, 2019
  40. ^ Waterson, Jim (March 1, 2018). "Momo hoax: schools, police and media told to stop promoting viral challenge". The Guardian. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  41. ^ "NSPCC says no need to be concerned about Momo". BBC. March 1, 2019. Archived from the original on March 2, 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  42. ^ Waterson, Jim (February 28, 2019). "Viral 'Momo challenge' is a malicious hoax, say charities". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 2, 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  43. ^ "Momo challenge: what is it, why is it dangerous and what is the advice for parents?". The Week UK. September 4, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  44. ^ a b Mikkleson, David (February 26, 2019). "How Much of a Threat Is the Purported 'Momo Challenge' Suicide Game?". Snopes. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  45. ^ Lorenz, Taylor (February 28, 2019). "Momo Is Not Trying to Kill Children". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on March 1, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  46. ^ "Satanic Panic 2.0: The Momo Challenge hoax [TW: Self-harm/suicide]". Boing Boing. March 2019. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  47. ^ Inwood, Olivia; Zappavigna, Michele (February 10, 2021). "Ambient affiliation, misinformation and moral panic: Negotiating social bonds in a YouTube internet hoax". Discourse & Communication. 15 (3): 281–307. doi:10.1177/1750481321989838. ISSN 1750-4813. S2CID 233907285.
  48. ^ BBC Newsnight (February 28, 2019), Momo Challenge: The viral hoax, retrieved March 1, 2019
  49. ^ a b Dickson, EJ (March 4, 2019). "'Momo Challenge' Sculpture Has Been Destroyed". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 5, 2019. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  50. ^ Dreyfuss, Emily (February 28, 2019). "How not to fall for viral scares". Wired. Archived from the original on March 13, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  51. ^ Radford, Benjamin (February 27, 2019). "The 'Momo Challenge' and the 'Blue Whale Game': Online Suicide Game Conspiracies". Skeptical Inquirer. Archived from the original on February 28, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  52. ^ Lloyd, Brian (January 22, 2019). "The 'Momo' Challenge is a perfect example of moral panic in the age of social media". Entertainment.ie. Archived from the original on February 24, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
  53. ^ Alexander, Julia (March 1, 2019). "YouTube is demonetizing all videos about Momo". The Verge. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  54. ^ "'Momo' sculptor has thrown away creation, feels 'responsible' for fake challenge". AsiaOne. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  55. ^ "'SNL' parodies Momo with terrifying Bok Bok fast food chicken mascot". AltPress. March 10, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  56. ^ Thibodeau, Jennifer (November 2022). "Wildly different Huluween offerings: Grimcutty and Matriarch". Fansided. Archived from the original on November 1, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  57. ^ Weston, Christopher (October 2022). "Is Grimcutty based on Momo Challenge? Inspiration explained". HITC. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  58. ^ Shuman, Sean (October 23, 2022). "Hulu's Grimcutty and Internet Horror: What Makes it Stand Out?". Movieweb. Archived from the original on October 23, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  59. ^ Boucher, Geoff (July 10, 2019). "Remember Momo? Orion Pictures Adapting Viral Hoax As A Horror Film". Deadline. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Momo_Challenge_hoax&oldid=1266680216"