U of C jumps on the neknom train

By Chris Adams

Neknomination videos have dominated Facebook feeds in recent weeks with the online drinking game going world-wide.

The game works like this. If “neknominated,” you must perform a drinking feat on camera. After finishing your booze, you nominate two others to do the same then post the video online. Once challenged, you have 24 hours to post your own video.

The game originally involved nominees chugging a pint of beer before issuing nominations. But people began pushing the limits, drinking more.

Two neknomination-related deaths have been reported in the U.K. One man drank a mixture of beer, vodka, whiskey and wine before collapsing. He died in hospital hours later.

Residence Services emailed students on Feb. 11 warning about the potential dangers of neknominations.

“Over the last while, neknominations have gained popularity. I want to ask you: please do not nominate people to participate in this game,” the email read. “We really don’t want to see any students get injured or sick (we’ve just been lucky so far).”

Students’ Union vice-president student life Ben Cannon said he does not necessarily see neknominations as a bad thing.

“Like anything, I don’t believe neknominations themselves are inherently good or bad. I think it’s the choices that people are making,” Cannon said. “Some involve alcohol. Some involve great displays of generosity. I don’t think anybody can argue that getting creative and doing some random acts of kindness is a bad thing.”

Cannon’s advice for students, “don’t get too crazy with it.”

Residence Services asked students to participate in RAK nominations instead. The pay-it-forward variation on neknomination encourages nominees to deliver food to the homeless or perform similar random acts of kindness.