Youth Mental Health: Are TikTok Trends Pointing Towards Bigger Issues?

Gen Z and Gen Alpha often find themselves portrayed in a negative light in comparison to other generational groups. Born between 1997-2024, individuals in these demographics can be labeled as ‘self-centered’ or ‘socially awkward’ social media scrollers who struggle to fit in the workplace.

Many news outlets refer to them using terms like ‘unmotivated’, ‘entitled’ or ‘living in fear’ having grown up in a digital landscape in which Covid-19 restrictions were present during key development stages. There is a negative generalization that young people today care more about consuming reels and taking part in dance trends rather than living in the ‘real world’.

In reality, the habits and behaviours of these groups are simply a reflection of the environment and circumstances they face and some of the latest trends point towards a deeper meaning – a longing for connection, support and understanding.

TikTok Trends Tell A Story

According to the CDC, 37% of Gen Z teens feel persistently sad or hopeless and one in 5 children in 2021 had been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition, with anxiety being most prevalent. A number of recent online trends among youth point towards an expression of this underlying feeling. 

Is online expression and shared processing helpful or does it perpetuate, normalize or even glamorize negative experiences? Here are some of the recent online trends that have been prominent over the last few months:

  • The viral “I grieve different” videos, inspired by the Kendrick Lamar ‘United in Grief’ song, highlight how young people are using creative expression to process emotions they may not otherwise share. Critics of this trend have shared concern over the performative sharing of trauma and how online validation is not a substitution for professional help.
  • #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt highlights not just consumer behaviour, but the power of belonging and finding identity through shared trends. This also shows the power of algorithms, influencers and online brands and how they can manipulate users purchasing habits.
  • The Gen Z stare / blue light stare while not necessarily a trend, has become shorthand for quiet disconnection, a reflection of how many youth feel misunderstood in social or professional spaces and stare blankly in response to interactions. Gen Z and Gen Alpha have been criticized as lacking the soft skills or enthusiasm to progress in the schools and workplaces. Young people have countered this by pointing to the inefficiency and insincerity of small talk and performative action.
  • Gen Z slang is often portrayed as a secret code, one that brands and older generations sometimes miss, reinforcing the gap between youth and those in other generational groups. Gen Z Writes the Marketing Script is the idea that youth are teaching older generations to use technology and Gen Z slang to go viral. Gen Z staff are said to be using their inherent skills and digital fluency to capitalize on opportunities, helping their older employers to promote their brands and increase reach and engagement online. This also points to the alienation and frustration that youth can feel when it comes to their older peers.

Supporting Youth: Meaning, Authenticity and Connection 

Many of these trends point towards a support gap for youth. Young people are seeking meaning in what they produce, authenticity in what they consume and connection with others in common spaces, either online or in person.

Online interactions can feel like support and the experience of participating in a shared dialogue can be validating, but there is no substitute for safe, human, compassion and connection. Public discourse can mean a loss of privacy and online advice can come from untrustworthy sources, so it is important for young people to find alternative means of expressing their feelings and exploring their problems.

Connection is a key pillar for mental wellbeing and mentorship can help young people not only navigate online spaces more carefully and use online tools safely, but also to feel more fulfilled and supported in their own life in the first place.

By listening, accepting and advising young people, mentors can help fill the support gap and act as a role model, passing down knowledge and experience that can be applied to real world situations.

Having a trusted adult who listens without judgment, validates experiences, and encourages growth offers young people something that can’t be found on TikTok – human connection, a safe space to share and encouragement to reach their full potential.

Looking to help support youth in our community? Learn more about Big Sisters volunteering opportunities here.