Trend Chaser

Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today’s prompt, an attempt to join an online trend has gone wrong.

While my TikTok page mostly consists of animal fact videos and silly comedy sketches, there's no denying that social media trends (especially the musical ones!) can be addicting. 

They're also story gold! Just think about that episode of "Abbott Elementary" where the teachers have to band together to stop the "desking" trend—students jumping from one desk to another while filming it for their online followers.

For this week's prompt, write about an online trend that's going horribly wrong.

Post your response (500 words or fewer) in the comments below.

Since obtaining her MFA in fiction, Moriah Richard has worked with over 100 authors to help them achieve their publication dreams. As the managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine, she spearheads the world-building column Building Better Worlds, a 2023 Eddie & Ozzie Award winner. She also runs the Flash Fiction February Challenge on the WD blog, encouraging writers to pen one microstory a day over the course of the month and share their work with other participants. As a reader, Moriah is most interested in horror, fantasy, and romance, although she will read just about anything with a great hook. 

Learn more about Moriah on her personal website.