I think they should merge the planking craze with the Darwin awards.

I'm looking forward to the commentaries from various analysts who will explain the causes of the current trends of risk-taking behaviour. They'll explain how kids aren't loved enough, how they don't have positive male role models, how they are desperate for attention and how they don't value their lives because nobody else seems to. We'll all nod and smile because they have PhDs in these areas, and few of us will believe a word of it.

I don't think the desire to take risks and do stupid things has increased considerably. I do, however, think that the ability to communicate our stupidity quickly and broadly has something to answer for. When I was a kid, we used to have regular lectures at school warning us about the dangers of catching hold of a car's towball and hitching a ride on our rollerblades or skateboards. Apparently some people did this; I never saw it and certainly never did it. Then there were the people who played chicken with cars or trains and, as they got older, played chicken IN cars (if Rebel without a Cause is to be believed; if Footloose is to be believed, then tractors were the vehicles of choice). None of this made it onto YouTube or Facebook for the simple reason that neither site existed.

Just as the majority of kids back then probably respected their own mortality, the majority of kids today do the same. The vast majority of my own students seem to think that planking on rooftops and in other locations is stupid; they also seem to think that planking in 'safe' locations is a little lame. In short, they check out the pictures but they don't do the deed. Still, by checking out the pictures, they provide an audience and rack up internet 'hits' for the plankers. As StG points out, the kids who injure themselves or die while performing these stunts are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends ... in short, humans. What they seem to forget is that the people who have to scrape them off the footpath are humans as well.

Apart from raw mustard I agree with every post.
Never had any intention of putting any one down, in fact funny bone was well on display when I told of my youthful silliness.
Planking is just one of a very long line of dangerous silly acts.
A death here, involving very real risk, for fun, followed a spinal injury, at stopped the practice.
I will not go into what it was,that could go viral and kill many.
Train surfing is another.
Why.
We all as youths wanted to be seen, to fit in, and some of us while pushing others to do silly things actually laughed at them behind their backs.
Hope we all think, before describing ANY dangerous act that could be the next planking.
And too that we do not ever take the view such happens because there is nothing else to do.
I am unsure just why,but know a feeling that the young are never going to be hurt can do and does great harm to those who love them and them.
Worth remembering the latest know injury came after a woman tried to show why we should not do it.

Planking, sky diving, rock climbing, base jumping, and on it goes. It appears the activities that require lots of flash gear seem more acceptable.

Extreme sports or extreme acts of stupidity, I don’t get the difference.

What are the Darwin awards?

Just goes to show that chemical highs are no more dangerous than natural ones Jewely.

Legalise drugs and people wouldn't be so bored that they want to be plonkers.

I've always said the governmnet should encourage drugs if they are to expect us to continue to mindlessly consume conform obey. It would be a nice gesture on their part. An act of goodwill, akin to shouting employees free coffee.

The drugs they encourage are retail therapy and TV and coffee, which I can understand, but there is not really that much in all that for lots of people. Some sort of Soma really is called for. I mean encouraging alcohol by proxy so as to tax us and using it to simultaneously allow for light releif and tut-tut bogans only really goes so far. Something more substantial is needed.

I suppose it's not really an issue, because the chose ones can afford the cocaine and the dregs of society can abuse the meth and the courts can enjoy inconsistantly handing out penance.

I loved your first paragraph Otokonoko:-)

Jewerly the Darwin awards exist goggle them worth a look.
It is for people who contribute to improving the human race.
Not about to spoil your fun have a look.
Surely we are not to debate every ones right to do as they wish.
But one poster has highlighted my thoughts,why do we do such things.
In refraining from explaining the act of lunacy I knew of but always knew would kill, I know it would go viral if it was known.
Silly, dangerous,sure to bring attention and fear from those watching.
Yet some thrive on all that, and the attention it brings.
Why.
Ever stood in fear watching a Friend stand on the very edge of a cliff and sway?
I have and never again.
Thrill seekers who rely on fools to show off to are to be avoided.