Neknomination: Social Media to Blame?

The big story this week is about a lethal drinking game called “Neknomination” which has gone viral. The rules of this game are simple: you film yourself downing an alcoholic drink (usually in large quantities) and then nominate a friend to outdo you. You must also post a video of this on social media. Currently, this game has killed at least five men under the age of 30.

The main question that seems to be the “hot button” is who is responsible? People are suggesting that sites being used to distribute this game, such as Facebook, should take ownership and recognize their role in this game. Facebook has of course already issued a statement saying they do not tolerate content that causes direct harm but also does not find certain behaviors against their rules. I am not sure what YouTube has decided to do yet. It appears that people are targeting Facebook and place blame on this social media giant more than others and are not consistent in their criticisms.

I am wondering this: If an individual is old enough to drink alcohol (21+), they are considered an adult. So is this adult not the one who should be responsible for deciding to play the game or not? Also (I am just looking at this from my point of view), I would NEVER post a video of myself drinking on a social media site. Sharing content like that would most likely damage any personal and professional opportunities I may have in the future. Once something goes online, it is always out there. Just because you delete it, doesn’t mean it’s deleted. We all know this by now….it’s called a digital footprint….. Am I the only thinking about that?

While I do think that the sites being used to distribute content about the game should address the issue, I don’t think they are directly responsible for people’s actions. However, to avoid any further bad PR drama, they might want to consider removing the videos. One can only hope that this game fizzles out quickly. 

Best/Worst Superbowl Commercials 2014

I honestly can’t believe I am writing this, but I think the commercials this year were a bigger let down then last year! Not only was the football game boring, but so were the commercials. 

I guess it makes it easier though for me to pick which advertisements were the best. Below are my top 5 favorites:

1. Budweiser Puppy Ad: This is my #1 of course because it has a puppy in it! We all know the most effective way to pull on the heartstrings of viewers is with images of puppies. Nothing I can say that’s negative because I adore puppies.  
2. Budweiser A Hero’s Welcome:  After Budweiser’s salute to the troops commercials last year, I honestly didn't think they could pull something off that well again. They proved me wrong big time. I think this was perfect and I wouldn't change a thing. My only question is, what do the other members of the military get when they come home? Ha-ha I bet they are all expecting a massive party now from Budweiser!  
3. Bud Light: OK when Arnold Schwarzenegger showed up in this commercial, everyone was stoked and cracking up! Plus the lead guy’s facial reactions in each situation throughout the ads were priceless.
4. Microsoft: This commercial was an immediate attention grabber with the voice that was used. Then images of how far we have come with technology and the positive ways technology can change lives by giving hope to the hopeless was the major selling point. However, the ending really brought it home. I was impressed to see this innovative advertising side of Microsoft.
5. Cheerios: After watching the response to their bi-racial couple advertisement last year, I was excited to see if Cheerios would scale back at all. Instead they continued with their same method which, I think, proved successful. People love that little girl! I do wish that they found a way to include their message “Love” with the vision of Cheerios a little more but overall, good commercial. 

I will say that of all the commercials, I was most disturbed by Nestle this year. The people who were watching the commercial/game with me all actually stopped talking and had frozen looks of disgust on their faces! I mean did Nestle really suggest a three-way on national TV? Also, the M&M commercial was very disappointing. I was so thrilled when I read that yellow was going to get his own commercial and be the star, without red this time. All I can say on that is, EPIC FAIL. The advertisement had him say one line, a line that didn't even represent his M&M character. LAME. Sadly, I think most of the commercials were just awful this year and I was very disappointed. 

What was new this year and worked for some of the companies (I say some, not all) was the use of a commercial followed by another commercial from the same company tactic. There were several instances of that which made it easier to hit viewers with the same advertising messages due to the repetition. 

What were your favorites/worst commercials?