Momo- The Viral Hoax That Terrified Parents Join teenage digital philosopher Eli Mercer as he unravels one of the internet's most successful moral panics—the Momo Challenge. This deep dive explores how a Japanese art sculpture became the face of a global hysteria that had parents everywhere convinced their children were being targeted by a malevolent force through WhatsApp and YouTube. The twist? There were no verified victims and no real evidence the challenge ever existed as described. Eli breaks down the fascinating psychology behind why this hoax spread so effectively, examining everything from the sculpture's origins with artist Keisuke Aisawa to the media amplification loop that made warnings about Momo more prevalent than Momo itself. He explores why parents are particularly vulnerable to digital danger folklore, how moral panics follow predictable patterns throughout history, and what the Momo phenomenon reveals about information spread in the digital age. This episode is a masterclass in understanding viral misinformation, the gap between perception and reality online, and why sometimes the scariest part of the internet isn't the supposed threats—it's how easily fear can spread faster than facts. Through his signature blend of sharp analysis, humor, and philosophical insight, Eli makes you rethink everything about how we consume and share information in our hyper-connected world. Want more thought-provoking content that challenges how you see the digital world? Head over to https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ for an incredible collection of engaging podcasts that will make you think, laugh, and see things from entirely new perspectives. Trust us, you'll want to explore everything they have to offer!
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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI