The Lying Down Game, widely recognized as the precursor to the global 'Planking' craze, involves individuals lying face down in public spaces with their arms straight by their sides and toes pointed. Originating in the UK around 1997 but gaining massive internet fame in 2009 via Facebook, the challenge was to find the most unusual or dangerous locations to 'lie down.' It represents one of the earliest examples of a participatory viral photo trend, blending absurdist performance art with digital community building. While the craze eventually evolved into variations like 'Owling' or 'Tebowing,' the Lying Down Game remains the definitive blueprint for the modern internet challenge.