The Ice Bucket Challenge Returned for a Brand-New Cause — Inside the Remixed Trend

Remember the viral sensation that had everyone from celebrities to your next-door neighbor dumping ice water over their heads? The Ice Bucket Challenge is making headlines again. Because everything, and we do mean, everything, is cyclical.

What started in 2014 as a viral campaign to raise awareness and funds for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is now experiencing a powerful resurgence. But what sparked its comeback? Let’s find out.

The Ice Bucket Challenge returned for another health-centered cause. The reemergence of the challenge was created by The University of South Carolina’s MIND (Mental Illness Needs Discussion) club. According to Active Minds.org, the club created the club after a student died by suicide in March 2025. The club is hoping that participants will be moved to donate to Active Minds, a national youth mental health nonprofit. The plan was well-received by fellow USC students within its first few days, with itgarnering hundreds of thousands of views, inspiring over 2,300+ donations and raising more than $40,000 to support mental health resources for youth and young adult

The plan was well-received by fellow USC students within its first few days, with its video garnering hundreds of thousands of views, inspiring over 2,300+ donations and raising more than $40,000 to support mental health resources for youth and young adults.

"It started as a random idea, inspired by the original ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and how powerful that movement was,” Wade Jefferson, Sophomore at USC and Founder of the MIND club, said in a statement on the school's website.

"We wanted to bring that same energy to mental health," he added. "Watching it take off – seeing people we admire, like Peyton Manning, join in – has been surreal. We’re proud, grateful, and just excited to see how far it’s gone and continue to go."

The Ice Bucket Challenge may have a different cause for a slightly younger generation, but that's about where the differences between them lie. USC's website listed the rules for the challenge, and they're a replica of the 2014 challenge, as participants are instructed to adhere by the following steps:

• Grab a bucket, some ice, and a friend

• Record your challenge and tag three others to take it next
• Post on social media and tag @uscmind and @active_minds to be featured
• Include the donation link to support the work of Active Minds

Much like the first challenge, social media users had plenty to say while watching others willingly pour ice water on their heads, some for the second time. Many users said they were stunned to see the challenge back in the forefront, while others pointed out the reason for the first challenge — to bring awareness to ALS — is still prevalent today.

"Just please acknowledge why the ice bucket challenge first blew up: ALS. And we’re still waiting on a cure with a 2-5 year prognosis," an X user living with ALS wrote.]

"Just deactivated my insta because i got nominated for the ice bucket challenge," another scoffed.

"The ice bucket challenge coming back is definitely a recession indicator," a third user believed. "What the f--k is happening?"

While the Ice Bucket Challenge has been done before and likely will be again, it's nice to know that there is room to support — and freeze for — more than one cause.