Connect with us

True Crime

“Momo Challenge” Creates Concerns As an Online Horror Dare

Published

on

No, it’s not a fundraiser to bring awareness to the dangers of promiscuous kissing, that would be mono. This is Momo, something a little more sinister and it has recently gained some internatinal notoriety across the internet.

But is it real? Eh, not really.

But before we say why, let’s take a look at the origins of this new web-lore legend and whether or not people should be concerned.

It appears that the Momo was first reported in Mexico. Authorities there saying the impetus stemmed from a Facebook group in that country.

But as is usually the case, the U.S. fanned the hype when YouTube influencer ReignBot dedicated one of her videos to the sinister plot which starts with accepting calls from a self-identified “Momo” (the bird-like woman in the picture) on WhatsApp.

From there, the person gets increasingly more terrifying challenges from the texter. They start by suggesting their mark do something as trivial as watching a horror movie late at night, then culminate into more damaging acts like self-harm.

The internet has seen a similar challenge in The Blue Whale, an almost identical viral pyramid scheme that also cyberbullie kids into doing harmful things to themselves.

The Blue Whale chain was indicated in some suicides, but nothing could ever be confirmed.

Experts say the Momo hoax follows many of the same criteria that traditional urban legends do.

“There’s no real truth to [games like the Momo Challenge] or evidence that it’s a real threat,” Benjamin Radford, a folklorist and researcher for the Committee for Skeptic Inquiry, told Rolling Stone.

He adds that challenges like The Momo are a “part of a moral panic, fueled by parents’ fears in wanting to know what their kids are up to…You have adults, who may be baby boomers — maybe they don’t text, maybe they’re not comfortable with technology. They’re wondering, ‘My daughter is always on my phone, who’s she talking to? What’s going on there?’ There’s an inherent fear in what young people are doing with technology.”

Some warn that even though the e-lore itself is not something worth focusing on, there might be more harm in predators replicating the craze to lure teenage victims into a trap.

But even then, parental experts say kids are a bit smarter than their parents give them credit for. But discussions about safety should definitely be had.

“We need to remind parents that things are happening that are sort of the new media analogues of strangers giving out candy on the side of the road,” said Dr. April Foreman, licensed psychologist, executive board member of the American Association of Suicidology.

She says parents should tell kids, “‘You may see some weird stuff, if you do turn it off. Just let me know.’”

So that seems to be the real threat, busy parents not deep-diving into their kid’s phone or iPad habits. Only skimming the surface of their activity or not knowing enough about workarounds.

That’s what sneaky kids are counting on. Predators too.

As for that “bird-faced” lady who has become the mascot for the Momo hoax, she is the product of sculptor Keisuke Aisawa at Link Factory, a Japanese horror film prop and special effects company.

Although the Momo Challenge is as legitimate as a call from “Scam Likely,” there are still evil trolls out there who will manipulate anyone they can, which is dangerous if their target is already emotionally vulnerable.

We suggest anyone falling into either of those categories seek help, the latter can dial the t(r)oll free number below.

Anyone experiencing a crisis is encouraged to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

1 Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Trailers

Hulu Unveils Riveting Trailer for True Crime Series “Under the Bridge”

Published

on

Under the Bridge

Hulu has just released a gripping trailer for its latest true crime series, “Under the Bridge,” drawing viewers into a haunting narrative that promises to explore the dark corners of a real-life tragedy. The series, which premieres on April 17th with the first two of its eight episodes, is based on the best-selling book by the late Rebecca Godfrey, providing a detailed account of the 1997 murder of fourteen-year-old Reena Virk near Victoria, British Columbia.

Riley Keough (left) and Lily Gladstone in “Under the Bridge”. 

Starring Riley Keough, Lily Gladstone, and Vritika Gupta, “Under the Bridge” brings to life the chilling story of Virk, who disappeared after attending a party with friends, never to return home. Through the investigative lens of author Rebecca Godfrey, played by Keough, and a dedicated local police officer portrayed by Gladstone, the series delves into the hidden lives of the young girls accused of Virk’s murder, uncovering shocking revelations about the true perpetrator behind this heinous act. The trailer offers a first look at the series’ atmospheric tension, showcasing the exceptional performances of its cast. Watch the trailer below:

Under the Bridge Official Trailer

Rebecca Godfrey, who passed away in October 2022, is credited as an executive producer, having worked closely with Shephard for over two years to bring this complex story to television. Their partnership aimed to honor Virk’s memory by casting a light on the circumstances that led to her untimely death, offering insight into the societal and personal dynamics at play.

“Under the Bridge” looks to stand out as a compelling addition to the true crime genre with this gripping story. As Hulu prepares to release the series, audiences are invited to brace themselves for a deeply moving and thought-provoking journey into one of Canada’s most notorious crimes.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

True Crime

Real-Life Horror in Pennsylvania: ‘Scream’ Costume-Clad Killer Strikes in Lehighton

Published

on

true crime scream killer

In a horrifying echo of the chilling killers depicted in the ‘Scream’ movie series, a Pennsylvania community was rocked by a gruesome murder. The assailant, donning the franchise’s iconic mask and cloak, wielded a black Reapr fixed-blade knife. Zak Russel Moyer, 30, carried out a nightmarish attack on his neighbor, Edward Whitehead Jr., in the small Carbon County town of Lehighton. Moyer’s assault was particularly brutal, employing not only a knife but also a small chainsaw, ultimately resulting in Whitehead’s death.

Zak Russel Moyer

Armed with a small battery-powered chainsaw and a black Reapr fixed-blade knife, Moyer had initially gone to Whitehead’s house next-door ‘for the purpose of scaring him’. However, the situation escalated fatally when he inflicted a stab wound to Whitehead’s head. The incident prompted an immediate response from local law enforcement, aided by Pennsylvania State Police, following a distress call about an active assault in progress within the 200 block of Carbon Street.

Surveillance footage captured a male figure, later identified as Moyer, emerging from the rear of Whitehead’s home. The figure’s attire was notably consistent with the “Scream” movie character, adding a surreal layer to the already grim event. Whitehead was swiftly transported to St. Luke’s Hospital-Carbon Campus but was pronounced dead, having suffered multiple wounds including a significant head injury and cuts indicative of a desperate defense.

Location of attack

In the aftermath, police quickly zeroed in on Moyer, found in a residence nearby. His apprehension followed bizarre communications with the police, where he levied accusations against Whitehead. Previous statements to his sister revealed Moyer’s harbored intentions to kill Whitehead, shedding light on a premeditated malice.

As the community grapples with this real-life horror, authorities have secured the weapons and the “Scream” costume, underscoring the chilling premeditation of Moyer’s actions. He now faces homicide charges, with a preliminary hearing set to determine the progression of his trial.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

Movies

Netflix to Release Duplass Brothers’ True-Crime Doc ‘American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders’

Published

on

The Octopus Murder Documentary

A strange organization known as “The Octopus” is getting the Netflix true-crime treatment. The streaming service has ordered the documentary called American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders which explores this alleged real crime conglomerate.

Brothers Jay (left) and Mark Duplass have been making films together since they were kids.

Even more interesting is that Duplass Brothers Productions and Stardust Frames will be bankrolling the project. The Duplass Brothers consist of Mark and Jay and they have produced movies such as Bad Milo (2013), Tangerine (2015), and of course the cult horror favorite Creep (2015). Creep 2 (2017) was produced by Netflix and Blumhouse.

Danny Casolaro
Journalist Danny Casolaro

According to Deadline, American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders starts with the discovery of a dead journalist, Danny Casolaro (pictured above), from an apparent suicide. But his family isn’t convinced. They think it was a result of Casolaro’s investigative reporting on a secret crime organization known as “The Octopus.” He believed that they were behind multiple murders, high-tech spy software thievery, and political scandals.

Enter researcher Christian Hansen who is determined to get to the bottom of Casolaro’s death and expose “The Octopus” and its far-reaching arms.

“Six years ago we got to work side by side with the brilliant Way Brothers on Wild, Wild Country,” said Mark Duplass. “When we found out about the Octopus Conspiracy, and Zach and Christian’s unique perspective and unparalleled dedication to this story, we knew this was the project that would bring us back together.”

Maclain Way of Stardust Frames adds, “When Zach and Christian first told us about The Octopus Conspiracy— a story they had been investigating for years— we were enthralled by tales of stolen spy software, government cover-ups, and the parallels with a journalist who died under suspicious circumstances digging into this story.  With our partners Netflix and Duplass Brothers Productions, we can’t wait for audiences to submerge themselves into the mysterious world of The Octopus.”

This will be a four-part series scheduled to air on February 28.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

Embed Gif with Clickable Title