What’s the story behind the “Blue Whale Challenge,” and why did it cause widespread concern?

The “Blue Whale Challenge” was a supposed online game that allegedly encouraged participants to complete increasingly dangerous tasks, culminating in self-harm or suicide. It spread widely through sensationalist media reports and social media panic. Despite the widespread fear, investigations found little concrete evidence of an organized game, with many claims being exaggerated or unfounded. The challenge highlighted concerns about the impact of online content on mental health and the dangers of spreading unverified information.