Whether or not you did it yourself or saw it all over the internet, many people clearly remember individuals all over the country dumping ice cold water on their heads back in 2014. It may have seemed like just another viral trend, but there was a significant purpose behind it that most participants seemed to have overlooked.
In 2014, the ice bucket challenge took over the internet with the purpose of raising money for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. The trend raised over $115 million for the ALS Association after millions of people across the country participated.
Recently, the ice bucket challenge cycled through social media again. Senior Emily Drennan said, “I think it was so popular in 2014 and so many people remember doing it, so it brings a sense of nostalgia that makes everyone want to do it again.”
Now, in 2025, the challenge quickly regained popularity on social media, with it being most prevalent on Instagram. Senior Emma Pranke said, “I think it works so well to raise awareness because everyone is nominating their friends, so it spreads quickly.”
The current challenge has a new focus, though. University of South Carolina Mental Illness Needs Discussion Club, founded by junior Wade Jefferson, relaunched the trend in late March. After losing two friends to suicide, Jefferson wanted to put focus on the importance of mental health and speaking out.
The MIND Club created the USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge hoping to normalize conversations around mental health. It aims to show that if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health it is important to reach out and find the resources you need.
Famous influencers on social media also took part in the challenge. Many influencers, such as Brooke Monk, used their platforms to spread awareness for the topic of the challenge. However, many influencers did not acknowledge the reason behind it and simply used it as a funny content video.
As this challenge has been renewed, it revives a sense of nostalgia that brings people together. Viral trends like this that cycle through social media serve as a powerful tool to spread awareness on important topics that deserve greater recognition.