Netflix warned 'Bird Box' fans not to hurt themselves doing a new meme challenge

Netflix

"Bird Box"

• Netflix warned "Bird Box" fans on Wednesday not to hurt themselves while doing a new meme challenge.
• The "Bird Box Challenge" sees people blindfolding and filming themselves walking around outside.
• Netflix said last week that over 45 million accounts viewed "Bird Box."

"Bird Box" has taken the internet by storm since it debuted on Netflix last month, so much so that Netflix is warning fans not to hurt themselves while performing a new meme challenge based on the movie.

The "Bird Box Challenge" finds people blindfolding and filming themselves walking around outside, in the same way that the characters in the movie must cover their eyes or risk being killed by mysterious creatures.

Netflix tweeted on Wednesday, "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."

Here's some examples of people doing, or considering, the challenge, which includes parents blindfolding themselves and their kids while walking around the house or outside:

Netflix said last week that "Bird Box" was viewed by over 45 million accounts, the most-viewed Netflix original movie in its first seven days. Netflix confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that a "view" is counted when an account watches over 70% of the movie's runtime, but, as Business Insider reported this week, Netflix's lack of transparency regarding viewing statistics has caused controversy throughout Hollywood.

Still, the movie has become an internet sensation and has inspired countless memes, including the challenge. Netflix's warning may even backfire, as some Twitter users responded to the tweet by saying that they would do the challenge now, as seen below:

More of Business Insider's "Bird Box" coverage:

• Stephen King was 'riveted' by Netflix's 'Bird Box,' and slammed critics for suffering from 'Netflix Prejudice'
• People think Netflix is using fake accounts to spread viral memes about 'Bird Box,' but there's no evidence that's true
• Netflix says a record 45 million accounts watched 'Bird Box' in its first week, but we don't know how many finished the movie
• Netflix's record-breaking viewership for 'Bird Box' has sparked debate in Hollywood, and some believe the company's lack of transparency hurts filmmakers