In recent weeks we have all been subjected to the ‘NekNominate’ videos that have been permeating our Facebook newsfeeds. For those of you that have been lucky enough not to have seen these the idea is simple; down a pint of the most gruesome concoction that you possibly can and then nominate select friends to do the same. How lovely.
Among some of the more disgusting pints has been, a mixture of spirits that quite frankly should never be mixed, Tabasco sauce and even in one case the film makers own faeces.
While most people have simply argued that it is just a piece of fun, these videos that are publicly posted on Facebook can have serious consequences.
In the first week of February newspapers announced the death of two Irish men due to this so-called ‘game’. Ross Cummins, aged 22, was found unconscious in his flat and later died in hospital while only hours later Jonny Byrne, aged 19, was found in the river at Milford Bridge.
Days later it was reported that two British men had also succumbed to this awful craze. Stephan Brookes, aged 29, died after reportedly drinking a whole pint of vodka and Isaac Richardson, aged 20, died after drinking a mixture of whiskey, vodka, wine and lager.
While these deaths may seem incomparable to the many, many videos flooding Facebook, it does nothing to detract from their importance and should act as a warning for this terrible craze to stop before more innocent people lose their lives.
While those who consider themselves ‘sensible’ and decide not to mix their pints with anything else, the associations with this craze are nothing but harmful and future employers definitely will not appreciate watching you ‘down’ a pint or so of alcohol in a stupid attempt to look ‘cool’.
People need to stop worrying about being in a minority and they need to know that it is perfectly ok to say ‘no’. You should never feel pressured to drink, for NekNominate or any other reason. People need to start standing up for themselves and drinking responsibly, instead of creating and sustaining this binge drinking culture that young Britons have been branded with.
Photo Credits: www.images.smh.com, www.mirror.co.uk