"Internet Strangling Craze" Grabs Kids Around Neck, Squeezes Hard

Here’s the latest American craze taking hold in Britain: “Known by a variety of names from funky chicken to space monkey, the ‘game’ involves hyperventilating or squeezing the carotid artery in the neck for a few seconds to achieve a high. Constricting the artery cuts blood flow to the brain; when the pressure is released, the resulting rush of oxygen causes the high. Experts say it is most prevalent among high-achieving adolescents who do not want to get in trouble by taking drugs or drink. The practice is different to autoerotic asphyxiation because it is not done for sexual gratification.” Apparently, “the craze is spreading on the internet largely without the knowledge of adults,” but since there is already an advocacy group called Games Adolescents Shouldn’t Play (note the acronym) we’re sure to hear plenty more about it in the future.