‘They’re thinking about the likes’: deadly TikTok motorway trend horrifies Ireland
Social media platforms face public ire after fatal crash involving teenagers filming themselves driving on wrong side
TL;DR
- A crash on the M9 motorway in Ireland killed five teenagers and critically injured a family of four.
- The teenagers were driving the wrong way down the motorway and are believed to have been filming their actions for social media.
- This incident is part of a trend where social media platforms amplify reckless driving behavior, described as 'hybrid behavior' by experts.
- The tragedy has caused polarized public reactions, including a large fundraising appeal for the injured family and online abuse towards the deceased teenagers.
- There are increased calls for stricter social media regulation and changes in policing, including better pursuit training for officers.
- TikTok has rejected an invitation to address a parliamentary committee on the issue, citing ongoing investigations.