Peer Play in Transformation: From Playground "Tag" to the Internet Challenge

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the specific nature of internet challenges (known as “challenges”) popular among children and adolescents, viewed in the context of traditional peer play. These activities are treated as a new element of contemporary children's culture and are thus perceived as a consequence of the transformation of peer play. The research problems focused on identifying the characteristics of traditional peer play present in internet challenges, and the new elements introduced by digital play compared to playground games. Using netnography as the data collection method, internet challenges published on the popular youth application TikTok were identified and observed. Thematic analysis allowed for the extraction of elements of continuity preserved in the “challenges,” such as: collectivity and cooperation, fun and laughter, ritual and symbolism, competition and test of strength, and creativity and creation. Among the distinguishing features of internet play, the following were noted: digital perpetuation and visibility, public and global dimension, radicalisation of forms and content, performativity, and the logic of platforms.