Between the years 2020 and 2023, there was a notable uptick in thefts specifically targeting Kia and Hyundai vehicles.  According to a Car and Driver article, this surge in criminal activity was reportedly linked to a viral social media trend. The “Kia Boyz” gained notoriety on TikTok by participating in a challenge that involved stealing Kias and Hyundais using a particular method and then sharing their exploits on various social media platforms. This resulted in an alarming 1000% surge in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Shockingly, even children as young as ten faced legal repercussions for their involvement in attempting to steal these vehicles.

The absence of an immobilizer in Kia and Hyundai vehicles produced between 2011 and 2022 made these thefts easier, enabling thieves to start the cars using makeshift keys, with items such as a USB cable, after gaining access to the steering column. This spike in thefts has caused insurance companies, including Progressive, to refuse coverage for Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

In a different article by Car and Driver, in response to the social media trend, Hyundai has introduced a security kit that includes a glass-break sensor that triggers an alarm and immobilizes the ignition when tampered with. However, this solution has not been widely adopted, as car owners are required to pay $170 for the unit and installation costs. According to a Rockville Reports article, other precautions to safeguard your vehicle include investing in a steering wheel lock, removing all USB cables from the car when not in use, and parking your car in well-lit areas or parking garages.

The Kia Boyz trend has not been the first social media trend to spark destruction or illegal activity. For instance, the “Devious Lick” trend saw students stealing items from their school bathrooms.  These included soap dispensers, urinals, toilets, and mirrors.  Also, it had kids vandalizing or breaking things in the bathrooms.

Another, the door-kick challenge, involved individuals going to random people’s houses, kicking in the front door, and fleeing.

Unsurprisingly, these trends have resulted in numerous arrests and raised concerns about the influence of social media on such behavior.