What psychological manipulation techniques are used to encourage participation in viral challenges?

One of the techniques used is emotional blackmail, which involves making the participant feel guilty for not completing the challenge, implying that they could be excluded from the group. Another technique is love bombing , in which the individual is showered with praise and positive messages to gain their trust and persuade them to participate.

Disinformation is also used, minimizing or concealing the real dangers of the challenge, which creates a false sense of security. Social coercion uses peer pressure, threatening exclusion or loss of prestige if one does not participate. Cyberbullying and gaslighting are equally common, two methods used to humiliate or undermine the individual's perception of the risks.