The University of Massachusetts has issued a warning about a dangerous TikTok drinking trend known as “blackout rage gallons” or “BORGs.” According to reports, almost 30 college students were brought to the hospital from off-campus parties ahead of St. Patrick’s Day due to the effects of this trend. The University is alarmed by the situation and has announced that they will assess the events and take steps to improve alcohol education.
What is the TikTok Drinking Trend?
The TikTok drinking trend involves students carrying around jugs of a mixture of alcohol, electrolytes, flavoring, and water. These jugs are known as “BORGs.” The hashtag #borg has garnered more than 74.7 million views on TikTok. The trend has been depicted on the social media platform since at least 2020.
The BORGs are a closed container carried around by individual students at parties. Some people have praised the trend for avoiding the spread of infectious diseases and reducing drink spiking. Additionally, because the drink is customized with electrolytes, some believe it reduces hangovers.
However, the BORGs, which typically contain a fifth of vodka, can still cause alcohol poisoning, even if consumed over a stretch of several hours, experts warn.
The Consequences of the TikTok Drinking Trend
On Saturday, reports say that 28 ambulances were summoned to off-campus parties. The Amherst Fire Department said none of the cases were life-threatening, but the situation was alarming enough for neighboring agencies to step in and provide assistance. Amherst Police and UMass Police reported two arrests for underage drinking.
UMass officials said that this is the first time the university has observed widespread use of BORGs at off-campus parties. It is evident that this trend is gaining traction, and officials are concerned about the consequences. The BORGs are a recipe for disaster, as they promote binge drinking, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.
The university’s response
In a statement, the University of Massachusetts said the weekend’s events would be assessed, and steps would be taken to improve alcohol education. Incoming students already learn about the physiological and medical risks of binge drinking.
The weekend’s festivities are known among UMass students as the “Blarney Blowout,” an annual unsanctioned event related to upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, local media reported.
Check out what is #borg from TikTok user @justaddbuoy‘s TikTok below.
@justaddbuoy Everything you need to know about BORGs (and how to make a healthier version) #BORG
The University of Massachusetts has a history of tackling alcohol-related issues. The university has implemented policies that promote responsible drinking, and they have organized programs and events to educate students on the risks of binge drinking.
Conclusion
The TikTok drinking trend is a growing concern among universities across the United States. The trend promotes binge drinking and can lead to serious health risks. The situation at the University of Massachusetts is a clear example of the dangers associated with the trend.
The university has taken action to address the issue, but more needs to be done to ensure that students are educated on responsible drinking. Universities need to work together to tackle the issue and develop strategies to combat the trend.
The BORGs trend is not only a danger to students’ health, but it also creates a negative image of universities. It is essential that universities take the issue seriously and implement measures to protect their students. Students also need to be aware of the risks associated with the trend and make responsible decisions when it comes to drinking.
As we have previously conveyed to you in many dangerous TikTok trends such as Labello challenge, sometimes it is entirely in our hands to be protected from the negative effects of social media. So don’t follow every trend you see on the internet, and don’t let popular culture influence your decisions.
