N-ice to see you again

Written By Ellaeyn Zhang

The Ice Bucket Challenge, social media’s coldest trend, just got a warm-hearted revamp!

The Origin

More than a decade ago, millions of people online started dumping buckets of ice water on their heads to help contribute to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) disease research and support services. After completing the challenge the water, participants would post a short clip on social media and ‘tag’ others to do the same. While the idea had circulated beforehand, the movement truly exploded in July 2014, gaining momentum by drawing in celebrities, athletes and even politicians — including Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James, and Bill Gates, to name a few. 

The Makeover

But like all trends, the shocking Ice Bucket Challenge came and went… only to make a sudden comeback in 2025! Recently, the viral phenomenon was reimagined by the University of South Carolina’s MIND Club members. The club announced the commencement of the ‘SparkYourMIND Ice Bucket Challenge’ on their Instagram page on March 31st.

Originally a campaign dedicated to raising awareness and funds for ALS, the challenge has now developed into a continent-wide initiative tackling the subject of mental health. Optimistically, the event is algorithm activism at its peak: shareable, refreshing — literally — and linked to an important cause.

The original challenge raised $115 million in just a few months, and MIND Club founder Wade Jefferson, a USC junior, was awed that the new reboot had managed to accumulate $200k. When interviewed by NBC, Jefferson admits that he originally set the fundraising goal to $500 and stated that he thought the challenge would only spread around campus. 

The Opinion

This year’s update blends tradition with modern relevance in a fun, bold way. By participants drenching themselves in icy water, the topic of mental health is brought to the forefront of youth’s considerations — something so essential in a generation consistently dealing with more stress, more expectations, and more anxiety. The Ice Bucket Challenge is an impactful way to break stigma and encourage vulnerability in a world where mental health and mental illness areis often trivialized or belittled.

Participants have spoken up, contradicting the accusations towards the challenge. While protests have been made about the challenge being too ‘playful’ or wasting water, a bigger concern has emerged: the original purpose of the Ice Bucket Challenge — to raise awareness for ALS, a disease that remains relatively unknown — has been overshadowed. Instead, the challenge has now been repurposed to promote mental health, which is an important cause but one that already receives significant public attention. This shift risks taking away from the unique platform ALS desperately needs. 

On the other hand, many others argue that this approach does highlights the productive potential of social media and connects society through a virtual safe space. A 2024 survey by the Canadian Mental Health Association found that over 60% of teens feel more comfortable talking about the matter online.


The Conclusion

So, here’s the message after all that: The Ice Bucket Challenge positively empowers openness, unites and heals people over causes that matter, and aligns impact with creativity.

As the new wave (pun intended) of the movement continues to grow, grab a bucket, your phone, and your voice  — because the Ice Bucket Challenge is back, and it’s more than a viral splash. Today’s USC version goes beyond freezing water and a fun time; by participating, you are actively sparking meaningful conversations, empathy and change. 

In this new era, raising awareness for mental health isn’t just cold — it’s cool. 

Resources

If there’s ever anything on your chest, please reach out with the sources below:

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Ellaeyn Zhang
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