What's the point of a challenge if everyone does it the same way?

The point is that a challenge isn't really about doing it in an original way - it's about joining in on this wave that brings people together. When everyone does the same thing, it creates this sense of belonging, and you get attention just for being part of it, not necessarily for being creative.

I think it's about this: a challenge isn't really about meaning in the traditional sense - it's about the process. When you participate in something that thousands of people are doing at the same time, you become part of something bigger. It's like a wave at a stadium - nobody expects you to come up with a unique way to raise your hand, there's just a moment where you're in sync with everyone else.

I remember there was some dance challenge in 2024, and my friend did it just because "everyone was doing it." She laughed about how stupid it was, but she was still filming, editing, posting. And you know what? She was having fun specifically because it was a shared script - she didn't have to think about what to film or how to be original, she just had to repeat the moves and add her face at the end. No brain gymnastics required.

I think that's totally fine and healthy - not everything in life has to be unique. Sometimes it's nice to just be part of the crowd, follow the trend, do the same thing as everyone else. Especially when it takes five minutes and requires zero mental effort. A challenge works precisely because it's simple and straightforward, not despite that.