A TikTok trend shouldn’t end in tragedy. Yet this week’s headlines show how fast online “games” can turn heavy.
Rice University sophomore and soccer player Claire Tracey, 19, was found dead in her off-campus apartment on December 7. Authorities later ruled her death a suicide.
In the days before, she posted cryptic videos. She also shared screenshots tied to the “devil trend,” using ChatGPT as a role-play partner. The prompt asked the bot to respond with “brutally honest” personal pain points.
That’s the problem. Trends like this reward sharper and darker answers. And when someone already feels fragile, those words can land like a verdict.
When a “trend” stops being entertainment
Claire’s posts hinted at loneliness, pressure, and burnout. Friends and strangers then watched the timeline in reverse. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s also a warning.
AI can mirror your mood. It can’t read your risk. It also can’t replace real support, care, or crisis help.
So if you see a friend posting like this, don’t analyze. Reach out. Call. Walk them to help.
And if you’re the one spiraling, please don’t do it alone. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., tell me your country and I’ll share local options.
