An alleged horror goofy caused a stir on WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok. A criminologist warned children in particular were at risk. Now there are new findings after NDR research.
- On the internet, challenges regularly cast a spell over users.
- There is currently a dangerous trend on WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and other social networks.
- The horror goofy encourages children in particular to test their courage - experts warn.
Update from August 17, 2020: The "Jonathan Galindo" challenge caused a lot of excitement in July. Photos and videos of the "scary goofy" who appeared in social networks with accounts under the name "Jonathan Galindo" were circulating on the net. Experts had warned parents in particular that children and young people could be addressed via these profiles and put under pressure to complete a series of tasks. The tasks could "in the worst case end with the death of the children", said the well-known "cyber criminologist" Dr. Thomas-Gabriel Rüdiger quoted at the time.
Warning of dangerous "Goofey-Account": NDR brings turning point to light
Research by the NDR media magazine “ZAPP” has now brought new findings to light : Apparently there is no reason for the terrifying warnings. It is unclear whether lists of tasks were actually sent and children completed them. So far there are no indications of this. Enrico Ball from the Lower Franconia police describes reports of suicides as "hoax" , ie false reports. And there are no known cases of injuries or accidents due to such a challenge in Germany. Martin Bregenzer from the EU media competence initiative “klicksafe” sees it similarly. She considers the warnings to be “excessive”: “So far, neither we nor the other network advice centers have received even a single call from children or young people who would have reported about a challenge”.
According to research by the data journalists from NDR Data, photos and videos of the "scary goofy" , which form the basis of the Jonathan Galindo Challenge, have been circulating on the Internet since 2012.
After an appeal by experts to parents: cyber criminologist gives a quick shot
In an interview with "ZAPP", "cyber criminologist" Dr. Thomas-Gabriel Rüdiger , to whom the massive warnings can be traced back, said that he had not done his own research on the “Jonathan Galindo Challenge”, but learned about it “in a private conversation with a colleague”. He then only "posted a quick post" for his followers .
WhatsApp: Twilight Goofy account is targeting children - experts alerted
Munich - Dangerous trends keep making the rounds in social networks . Sometimes they even put their imitators in mortal danger , as in the "Kulikitaka" challenge on TikTok.
A horror goofy is currently causing a stir on WhatsApp *, Instagram , TikTok and other networks. Obviously, he's targeting children in particular.
Actually, Goofy is known as the lovable but clumsy friend of Mickey Mouse , the most famous character from Disney. But the horror goofy from the social networks has nothing in common with the good-hearted dog.
His creepy-looking grimace is more reminiscent of the horror clowns with which many people were frightened a few years ago. The malicious Goofy from WhatsApp and Co. even threatens the recipients of his messages with death.
The horror goofy is currently putting children in danger with his “tests of courage”.
© Facebook / screenshot
Horror goofy: anonymous WhatsApp account endangers children and young people
A stranger is currently wearing a Goofy mask asking for friendship on WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and other social networks . In doing so, he mainly makes contact with children and young people .
Friend requests are sent under the pseudonym "Jonathan Galindo" . If these are then confirmed, the “victim” receives a link with tasks.
And these challenges should then be met by the young people - otherwise “Jonathan Galindo” threatens the recipient with enormous consequences. In the worst case, if the task is not fulfilled, death threatens .
Experts have long been alarmed by the highly dangerous trend. The cyber criminologist Dr. Thomas-Gabriel Rüdiger expressly warns parents about accounts with the said name. They also called free riders on the scene, who created a “Jonathan Galindo” account.
Horror goofy on WhatsApp: criminologist warns parents of fatal consequences
Rüdiger asks parents fervently with children to the danger speak : "The only real protection is also education and teaching of media literacy among children," the criminologist believes.
His recommendation: Do not accept the friend request from Jonathan Galindo and other unknown persons and, above all, do not forward it to friends. Parents should also closely monitor their children's media behavior - and if in doubt, seek discussion with their own offspring.
Twitter / WhatsApp / Instagram: Grusel-Goofy seduces children online to do dangerous tasks https://t.co/INChAPrD6I
- Consumer Protection.com (@onlinewarnings) July 15, 2020Scare tactics is the wrong way for Rüdiger. However, if parents notice changes in their child, they should pay special attention.
Anonymous messages like the one from Horror-Goofy can be psychologically stressful for children and young people. The pressure to fail the required test of courage can be enormous.
Especially when there are signs of self-harm or indefinable symbols on the body of children and adolescents, experts like Rüdiger advise taking action. Under certain circumstances, the topic can be clarified in an open conversation with the children.
However, if parents suspect that your child is in contact with dangerous contacts and even has suicidal thoughts, professional advice must be sought for the families concerned. (kh)
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In general, we do not report suicides so that such cases do not encourage potential copycats. Reporting will only take place if the circumstances receive special public attention. If you or someone you know suffers from an existential life crisis or depression, please contact the telephone counseling on: 0800-1110111. Help is also available from the Psychiatry Crisis Service for Munich and Upper Bavaria on 0180-6553000. You can find more information on the website www.krisendienst-psychiatrie.de.
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* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network
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List of rubric lists: © Facebook / screenshot