'Neknomination' backlash sparks online kindness craze

Internet users are attempting to harness the popularity of the social media drinking game linked to the death of two men in Ireland to encourage random acts of kindness instead of binge drinking.

'Neknominate', a game where people neck a pint of alcohol and dare their friends to do the same, has been condemned by police, politicians and health experts.

Yesterday, the family of a teenager who died after taking part in the game appealed for the craze to end.

Read: Father makes emotional appeal following death of son after 'Neknominate' death

As the backlash against the game continues to grow, a new trend called #RAKnomination has emerged. The aim of the game this time is to use social media to spread kindness and charity, and to nominate others to do the same.

It appears to have been started in South Africa, but video posting have started to appear from the UK, Ireland and in Australia, where the original game #Neknominate is thought to have originated.

Brent Lineque, who posted his video last week before the two deaths in Ireland, said he wanted to show how "South Africans do Neknominate" better. Writing on YouTube, he said:

More: SA man harnesses Neknominate craze to do good

This inspired others in South Africa to perform similar stunts. In one of many films posted, YouTube user Travizeo's filmed himself giving a homeless man a hot drink, and his jacket. He describes in the video:

In Ireland, where two young men died after reportedly taking part in a 'Neknomination' a group of students started 'COPnomination' where they challenged each other to perform a creative and positive act and film it, and then dare their friends to do the same.

Explaining why she was taking a stand against the deadly viral trend, Mela Niie said:

'RAKnominations' have quickly spread across the globe, and many have posted their videos showing or explaining why they are getting involved. Writing on YouTube, Samuel J Taylor said: