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Looking Back at the Milk Crate Challenge (2021)
Since it's 2026, there hasn't been—yet—a trend, from social media, for the masses to participate in and enjoy. Are we overdue?
Five years ago, global lockdowns were still in place: staying home to "save lives," remaining physically distant from one another plus wearing masks, reducing possible contracting of the virus—a time still being reflected today. Many looked back with resentment and regret—something plenty of citizens wish would have been a perfect opportunity rebelling against the 'system.' That was partially in place with a trend circulated on social media called the "Milk Crate Challenge" (2021).
Simply called the "Crate Challenge," this was another one of those trends that brought everyone together: a reason to go outside and do something, despite lockdowns. This challenge features milk crates, stacked in a pyramid, where the goal is walking and climbing up without falling. You can think of this similar to Super Mario navigating his way through the blocks and bricks; another would be the classic TV show Unbeatable Banzuke, syndicated on G4TV. The challenge lies in never touching the crates at any moment while climbing. (Those that ended up doing so either were disqualified, their attempt didn't count, or some spectators would kick the stack, forcibly making them fall.) That's all the challenge is: walk atop the stack without falling. What's the big deal?
For those who have successfully completed the challenge, have received cash prizes and/or overall bragging rights: exuding that "game show" feel. With regards to those failing, how they react is something that bares watching: others smile, accept their failure, while spectators watch in awe and laughter; some were upset, though not many, and other participants lay down, re-thinking their decision(s)—their entire life, perhaps. In other words, there have been a lot of injuries by those not realizing its consequential ailments. That's right: reports of participants suffering concussions, dislocated/broken arms and legs, back injuries, while few remained life-threatening (some mentioned there were those who died after trying this challenge). Worse, from the videos still posted online, some challenges were attempted on cement (one took place at a beach). There's a reason shock-absorbant mats are used—at gyms—but because such trend was hot, set up of these crates is labor-intensive; as some took extra liberty assuring it was done on softer ground, like grass. Good to know there are people whose self-awareness, no matter what, is better safe than sorry. Still, if an online trend is hot, there's little room to think, making this an opportunity to monetize their content, per its reposts.
Safety isn't always everything, however. Despite some of these challenges done on grass, participants still suffered injuries previously mentioned. This is because milk crates aren't made with proper material when stood on—high-quality plastic—High-density polyethylene (HDPE)[1], which is a recyclable plastic. The average weight of a human, let alone an American, is heavier than gallons of milk. For that, who started this and thought it'd be a great idea for a challenge?
SOURCE: https://www.instagram.com/p/CS5-eqxrery/
Origins of this challenge is still a mystery. However, according to what is now a defunct Instagram profile, @truthseekernetwork, claims these crates were spontaneously deployed in neighborhoods, leading to the launch of this trend. Reason for deployment is unknown; though, this could be interpreted similarly when authorities placed loads of cinder blocks for protesters, during the riots taking place back in May/June 2020. For the challenge itself, interpreted by some vloggers on YouTube, climbing milk crates emulated human sacrifice. One YouTuber stated it's a challenge for those who don't care: they just participate and do without knowing of any consequence(s) that follow, nor thinking before doing. Assuming that correlation's validity, it would explain why participants who fail(ed) became susceptible to injuries—some life-threatening. In addition, more YouTubers continually interpreted the meaning for this challenge and its existential connection: a measure someone's completion with success based on their navigation approaching this challenge. While it's a stretch thinking that those who completed the challenge will be successful, but those participants who were capable of completing it, despite its short-comings, may be able to prove such point.
Regardless of such "deep" interpretation, which are decent takes by the way, there will exist those reactively saying "it's not that deep, bro," to those over-analyzing this challenge. They're correct, it's not that deep; and by today's standards, AI—LLMs—help provide the thinking and answers for us, despite its accuracy not being 100% guaranteed, right?
Per the Gregorian calendar, it's 2026, and since social media trends are outside our radar, in which we publish pieces for this network, there hasn't been one, recently, bringing people together in participation. From Tide Pods to the Mannequin Challenge, we think it's overdue for another social media craze, keeping the populace busy trying, recording/streaming, and talking about. We do know, lately, it's been an emotional rollercoaster: a belligerent stream of fallacious projection, which, for some reason, majority of whom are female, sharing their meltdowns over things they have no control of, nor comprehend. Perhaps, it's time for people to lighten up with another challenge too fun to ignore, even for those who recently quit social media. Skeptics, on standby, will be interpreting the situation immediately when such challenge emerge—safety, odds of winning, etc. We're approaching halfway to 2026, so there's plenty of time.
(For those in the research space, including social media and/or digital ethics, I have personally, and independently, written and published a dedicated research paper on the Milk Crate Challenge found here, under KC Universal Publishing. It is my very first research paper ever published, so feedback is welcome!)
What do you think of this challenge, five years later? Did you participate, or know anyone who did? Are we overdue for another challenge, one that takes the world by storm? Let's talk about it in the comments section below!
SOURCES:
1. (2024) Enlightening Pallet, What Type Of Plastic Are Milk Crates Made From?
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