The "Three Seconds to Die Game": A Theoretical Analysis of the Psychological Impact on Adolescents

Authors

  • TakHong Cheang Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China Author
  • FatFai Ieong Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7739-9000

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56294/hl2025954

Keywords:

"Three Seconds to Die Game", Social Learning Theory, Self-Determination Theory, Cognitive Development Theory, Stress and Coping Theory, Group Dynamics Theory

Abstract

Introduction: The popularity of the "three-second death game" among teenagers has attracted widespread attention. Literature review shows a lack of research on the psychological impact of this game on adolescents, while similar dangerous games often produce negative psychological effects. Related theories also demonstrate their applicability in explaining adolescent risk-taking behavior.

Methods: This study employs in-depth theoretical analysis, selecting five theories, including social learning theory, to explore the influence mechanisms of individual factors (cognitive traits, psychological needs, stress coping) and social factors (peer influence, group norms, and stress).

Results: Existing literature on the psychological impact of this game is insufficient, but the selected theories effectively construct a framework for analyzing the individual and social driving factors behind adolescent participation in this game.

Conclusion: Prevention and intervention measures are proposed. Future research should deepen theoretical mechanisms, conduct empirical studies, explore cross-cultural influences, and strengthen interdisciplinary research to protect the mental and physical health of adolescents.

References

Backstrom, L., Huttenlocher, D., Kleinberg, J., & Lan, X. (2006, August). Group formation in large social networks: membership, growth, and evolution. In Proceedings of the 12th ACM SIGKDD international conference on Knowledge discovery and data mining (pp. 44-54). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/1150402.1150412

Bandura, A. (1969). Social-learning theory of identificatory processes. Handbook of socialization theory and research, 213, 262.

Cheung, C. K., & Ngai, S. S. Y. (2016). Reducing deviance through youths’ mutual aid group dynamics. International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology, 60(1), 82-98. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X14548024

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2012). Self-determination theory. Handbook of theories of social psychology, 1(20), 416-436. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446249215.n21

Dodaj, A., & Sesar, K. (2024). Sexting coercion within romantic context: a test of Akers’ social learning theory. Journal of Sexual Aggression, 30(2), 197-210. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13552600.2023.2182377

Guangming.com. (2014). Never try it! "Three seconds of death" is popular in schools and can cause death by suffocation! Reference URL: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7432844584176337448/?upstream_biz=doubao&source=m_redirect

Huitt, W., & Hummel, J. (2003). Piaget's theory of cognitive development. Educational psychology interactive, 3(2), 1-5.

Krohne, H. W. (2002). Stress and coping theories. Int Encyclopedia of the Social Behavioral Sceinces [cited 2021]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-08-043076-7/03817-1

Milas, G., Martinović Klarić, I., Malnar, A., Saftić, V., Šupe‐Domić, D., & Slavich, G. M. (2021). The impact of stress and coping strategies on life satisfaction in a national sample of adolescents: A structural equation modeling approach. Stress and health, 37(5), 1026-1034. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3050

Mukhra, R., Baryah, N., Krishan, K., & Kanchan, T. (2019). ‘Blue Whale Challenge’: A game or crime?. Science and engineering ethics, 25, 285-291. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-017-0004-2

National Party Media Information Public Platform. (2024). Suddenly popular! Severe suffocation can lead to death in 3 seconds. Urgent reminder from many places! Reference URL: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7433411498283729471/?upstream_biz=doubao&source=m_redirect

Radu, C. C., Delcea, C., Plesa, A., & Rad, D. (2023). Transforming perceptions of drug consumption among youth through a Cognitive-Social-Medico-Legal Educational Approach. Pharmacophore, 14(4-2023) , 50-56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51847/oeS7yeVrmJ

T'ng, S. T., Ho, K. H., & Pau, K. (2023). Need frustration, gaming motives, and internet gaming disorder in mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games: Through the lens of self-determination theory. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 21(6), 3821-3841. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-022-00825-x

Downloads

Published

2025-12-06

How to Cite

1.
Cheang T, Ieong F. The "Three Seconds to Die Game": A Theoretical Analysis of the Psychological Impact on Adolescents. Health Leadership and Quality of Life [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 6 [cited 2026 Jan. 19];4:954. Available from: https://hl.ageditor.ar/index.php/hl/article/view/954