Wait, the Ice Bucket Challenge is back after more than a decade – here’s why

Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? It’s back. So, if you were around when it first went viral in 2014, you’re probably feeling a little old right now, but don’t worry, you’re not the only one. After more than a decade, this iconic Ice Bucket Challenge is making waves on TikTok once again. While the original goal was to raise awareness for ALS, this time, the focus has shifted to mental health.

What exactly is the Ice Bucket Challenge?

@mcswaggers69

“No, it was identical.”#brooklyn99 #alsicebucketchallenge #uscicebucketchallenge #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #jakeperalta #terryjeffords #raymondholt #andysamberg #terrycrews #andrebraugher

♬ original sound – Joe Gayberg

The Ice Bucket Challenge took the internet by storm in 2014. It became a viral sensation with celebrities, athletes, and everyday people dumping ice-cold water over their heads. The goal was twofold: Raise awareness and funds for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and challenge friends to do the same. Participants were also encouraged to make a donation to ALS charities, which helped raise millions worldwide.

Who’s doing it this time?

@haleyybaylee yall tagged me & nominated me, so time for the USC Speak Your Mind ice bucket challenge!! 🫶🏻 I nominate @MrBeast @Brooke Monk @Carter Kench you have 24 hours 👀❤️🫶🏻 #icebucketchallenge ♬ original sound – haleyybaylee

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This time, the challenge has been revived by students at the University of South Carolina’s Mental Illness Needs Discussion club. Big names on TikTok, like James Charles and Haley Kalil, have joined the fun, pouring ice-cold water over their heads while raising awareness for mental health. The challenge has already raised over $245,000 for Active Minds, a mental health charity. More than 20,000 people have used the hashtag #IceBucketChallenge on TikTok, showing the challenge’s huge resurgence.

So, why exactly is the Ice Bucket Challenge back?

According to Forbes, the new iteration was started by university students aiming to raise awareness for mental health causes. It began as a call for action on March 31 and quickly turned into a full-fledged viral trend on TikTok. The money raised supports mental health charities like Active Minds, which works to reduce stigma in young people. While the ALS community has voiced frustration over the shift in focus, the ALS Association has given its support, noting that mental health issues affect people with ALS too.

As with any viral trend, there’s some backlash. ALS advocates, like Brooke Eby, an ALS sufferer, have expressed frustration, especially when ALS still doesn’t have a cure.

On the flip side, the ALS Association has publicly supported the revival. ‘The Ice Bucket Challenge is back! Mental health impacts everyone, including people affected by ALS. Let’s come together to support mental health while continuing the fight against ALS.”

The conversation is complicated, but the challenge is back in a big way.

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Featured image via TikTok.