Netflix urges people not to try ‘Bird Box Challenge’

MANILA, Philippines — The popularity of thriller "Bird Box" prompted fans to take their love for the movie to the next level—by doing mundane tasks while wearing blindfolds.

But Netflix is not too happy about it.

The streaming giant issued a warning to individuals thinking of participating in what has been dubbed the #BirdBoxChallenge.

“Can’t believe I have to say this but: PLEASE DO NOT HURT YOURSELVES WITH THIS BIRD BOX CHALLENGE,” Netflix said on Twitter.

The streaming service added: “We don’t know how this started and we appreciate the love, but Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you do not end up in the hospital due to memes.”

Can’t believe I have to say this, but: PLEASE DO NOT HURT YOURSELVES WITH THIS BIRD BOX CHALLENGE. We don’t know how this started, and we appreciate the love, but Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you not end up in the hospital due to memes.

— Netflix US (@netflix) January 2, 2019

The film tells the story of a mother (Sandra Bullock) and a pair children who are forced to wear blindfolds while they search for a refuge to protect themselves against supernatural entities that, if seen, cause people to kill themselves.

The popularity of the film sparked videos of people playing with their dogs, identifying different kinds of food, walking in New York City and even driving while blindfolded.

Only in NY #BirdBox #BirdBoxChallenge @NigelDPresents pic.twitter.com/VPemHPdovu

— Tommy (@THOMAS_RE89) December 25, 2018

Only in NY #BirdBox #BirdBoxChallenge @NigelDPresents pic.twitter.com/VPemHPdovu

— Tommy (@THOMAS_RE89) December 25, 2018

Jesus take the wheel #BirdBoxChallenge pic.twitter.com/AddRNfOfUN

— Shut up or square up (@RealFakeShanti) December 31, 2018

"Bird Box" was based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Josh Malerman. It was streamed worldwide on Netflix on December 21. — Gaea Katreena Cabico