The Ice Bucket Challenge is trending all over the internet again.  This resurgence of the viral trend has sparked the internet across social media platforms, reigniting conversations and participation worldwide. The trend was initially popularized by teenagers and consists of pouring a bucket of cold water on their head and posting it on social media.

The simplicity and humor of the act made it highly shareable and entertaining to watch.  People then make a chain, tagging in their post the next person they’d like to see do the challenge. The chains contributed significantly to its spread.  Starting in America, the movement has now traveled the world, all supporting the same cause. Its viral nature has made it an accessible and engaging way for people to show support for important issues, with individuals and communities across the globe joining in.

This viral challenge is indeed really fun and entertaining, but let’s not forget the objective of this movement. The goal of the USC Speak Your Mind Challenge is to break the stigma about mental health discussions, to support and raise funds for the organization Active Minds, and to spread mental health awareness.

Until April 2025, the campaign has raised over 289 000$, surpassing its initial goal. This significant sum reflects not only the power of social media but also the growing global awareness around mental health, especially among younger generations.

Many celebrities did that trend back in the day, even including Donald Trump. They were all supporting Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is a neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons in adults.

Over the years, the Ice Bucket Challenge has evolved, first called ASL Ice Bucket Challenge, starting in summer 2014, it was used to raise funds for Lou Gehrig’s disease.  The ASL campaign has raised over 115 million dollars. ” We’ve never seen anything like this in the history of the disease,” said Barbara Newhouse, president and CEO of The ASL Association. The campaign’s success has paved the way for meaningful online activism.