Clicks, Clout, and Consequences: Teens warn about ‘takeovers’ and viral pressure

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - From “teen takeovers” at malls and parking lots to viral challenges that can turn dangerous, local students say the pressure to join in for clicks — and clout — is real.

Scrolling, sharing, and going viral is everyday life for teens on apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. R.E.A.L. Girlz — an empowerment organization that provides a safe space for young women — talked about what they’re seeing online and how it’s shaping their generation.

“It’s a lot about teen takeovers in the mall, outside,” said 16-year-old Jocelyn Sanderson

Teen takeovers are organized online — teens plan to meet up at a specific location and “take over.”

It’s happened in Central Virginia, including back in February when Short Pump Town Center closed early following a large gathering. Authorities have also dealt with several street takeover incidents. These situations can quickly turn into trouble.

“I think social media can have good things and bad things,” 14-year-old Cali Rivers said. “But if it’s a negative trend going around and people feel like they have to be like everybody else and do it, it can lead them down the wrong path or into the wrong crowd.”

The teens say major driver behind these trends is the push for attention — also known as “clout.”

“Most of the time it’s just for likes,” 14-year-old Mila Marerro said. “You’re posting to entertain people and get attention from that. So when people do these trends or teen takeovers, it’s usually just to get popular from it.”

And with that attention can come peer pressure.

“You also have to think for yourself,” Sanderson said. “You can’t just go off what everybody else is doing.”

For Cali, it also comes down to recognizing when something doesn’t feel safe.

“If it’s just a bunch of teens and it doesn’t look organized, I’m not going,” she said.

“You have to take precautions,” Mila Marrero said. “Know where you’re going, the details of it — who you’re with — and trust your gut if something feels off… if it’s somewhere where a gun might get pulled out — or fights might break out — don’t go.”

Experts say one of the best ways parents can help is by having open, ongoing conversations — so teens feel comfortable talking about what they’re seeing online, and families can spot red flags before viral moments turn into real-life consequences.