'Do Not Hurt Yourselves:' Netflix Issues Warning Following Viral 'Bird Box' Challenge

Follow CBSPHILLY Facebook  | Twitter

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — It's something that should go without saying, but Netflix is saying it anyway: don't walk around with blindfolds on. The warning comes after their hit movie, "Bird Box," inspired a new and potentially dangerous meme.

People are uploading videos of themselves walking around blindfolded in what's called the "Bird Box" challenge.

"Can't believe I have to say this, but please do not hurt yourselves with this Bird Box challenge," Netflix tweeted Wednesday.

They reference two of the film's character by adding that, "Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you not end up in the hospital due to memes."

"Bird Box" had the best seven days for a debut of a Netflix film with over 45,000,000 accounts viewing the film.

"There are social phenomena. That is your friends are doing it so you do it. Conformity pressures," says Temple psychologist Frank Farley.

Farley, the former president of the American Psychological Association, points out the Bird Box challenge is just the latest viral trend.

Last year's Tide Pod challenge tempted teens into putting highly concentrated laundry detergent in their mouths and the so-called Keke challenge, a dance based on a Drake song performed alongside a moving car, has led to injuries and property damage.

"I think it boils down to something relatively simple: the thrill of it," said Farley.