Whether it’s clothes, books, skincare, or short videos: kids and teens want to know what’s hot right now. Behind this is often a desire to express themselves and fit in. Most trends spread through social media. But not everything that goes viral there is harmless or happens by chance.
Social media trends are topics, products, or behaviors that suddenly pop up everywhere and are picked up by many people. They usually spread across multiple platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or Snapchat. Among the trends currently gaining the most traction are book recommendations on BookTok, Get-Ready-With-Me (GRWM) videos, skincare and beauty trends, as well as aesthetic styles like Clean Girl or Coquette. Certain role models and youth cultures are also shared and discussed on social media, such as those surrounding Tradwives, Talahons, or similar online phenomena. In addition, new sounds, memes, dance videos, or viral products regularly gain traction.
It’s not just users who decide which content becomes particularly visible. The platforms themselves also play an important role. Algorithms ensure that popular content is recommended to more and more people. As a result, trends can reach millions of people in a short amount of time. This sometimes creates the impression that “everyone” is participating in a trend. In reality, often only a small fraction of users are actually participating. Many trends also disappear again after just a few days.
Artificial intelligence is also having an increasing influence on pop culture. AI-generated images, filters, and virtual influencers are becoming trends in their own right. It is often difficult for children and teenagers to tell whether content is real or was created using AI.
For many children and teenagers, trends are more than just entertainment. When they’re familiar with the same content as their friends or classmates, they feel like they belong and can join in the conversation. Trends also help them discover their own tastes and figure out what suits them. Many trends encourage people to get creative themselves. Children and teens share their own videos or recommendations and see how others react to them. Added to this is the unique dynamic of social media: new content is constantly appearing, creating the feeling that you can’t afford to miss out on anything. This feeling is also known as FOMO.
Most trends are harmless. Still, parents should be aware of certain risks. Not every trend arises spontaneously. Many companies work specifically with influencers and advertising partners to promote their products. It is often difficult for children and teens to recognize when commercial interests are behind a trend. It becomes problematic when this leads to pressure to consume. Viral products are often portrayed as indispensable. Those who don’t join in may feel left out.
On social media, children and teenagers are constantly exposed to images of seemingly perfect people. Filters, photo editing software, and AI-generated content often make people appear more perfect than they actually are. Constantly comparing themselves to seemingly perfect role models can undermine their self-esteem. Added to this are problematic fitness and diet trends. While some recommendations are shared millions of times, they are based on misinformation or even pose health risks.
Artificial intelligence also poses new risks. Some videos show celebrities or other people who appear to be saying or doing something. In reality, their image or voice has been altered using AI. Such forgeries are known as deepfakes. They can look deceptively real, even though they are not.
Just like with challenges, individual trends can also be dangerous if risky behavior is imitated or boundaries are crossed. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look before jumping on a trend.
First, try to take your child’s enthusiasm for trends seriously. Most of the time, they’re just trying to fit in and find their place.
Let us explain and demonstrate the latest trends to you. Use these discussions as an opportunity to explore together why certain content becomes so successful.
Talk to them about algorithms, too. Your child should understand that certain content isn’t shown to them by chance. Platforms are designed to keep users on the app for as long as possible.
It’s equally important to take a critical look at AI-generated content. Explain to your child that images, videos, and voices can now be created artificially and don’t always show what actually happened. Encourage your child to verify sources and not to share content without asking first.
Talk to your child about asking questions like these: Who started this trend? Is something being sold here? Does this trend help me, or does it put pressure on me? Would I still do this if no one were watching?
Trends aren’t necessarily always problematic. It often makes sense to weigh the opportunities and risks together. Some trends lead to new books, creative projects, or conversations about topics that interest children and teenagers.
