It seems like every day, there’s a new viral trend popping up on social media – and while the early days of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge may have seemed harmless, some of the latest trends can be concerning (or downright strange) to parents.
Viral trends are often flash-in-the-pan fads, and it can be hard to nail down exactly why some trends take on a life of their own while others fizzle out quickly.
As a parent, you want to know what your kids are up to and what they’re being exposed to, so we’ve built a guide to navigating the world of viral trends!
What Is a Viral Trend?
We all know how trends work – but the digital age has given virality a brand new spin. In the past, trends might start with a celebrity wearing a certain style or a popular TV show introducing a new catchphrase. Today, it could be something as simple as a simple sound on TikTok or an online meme that takes off and becomes a viral trend.
In a nutshell, a viral trend is any type of content (photo, video, challenge) that spreads quickly across social media platforms and gains widespread attention. It can involve anything from funny memes to dangerous challenges – and everything in between.
The rapid spread of these trends through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube has helped them gain traction more quickly – and the “memetic” nature of the internet means that once something goes viral, it’s hard to stop.
But why do these trends catch on in the first place? There are a few key factors at play.
What Makes a Trend Go Viral?
To understand viral trends, we need to take a look at how things “go viral” in the first place. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a well-timed tweet or celebrity endorsement. Other times, it’s more of a perfect storm – the convergence of multiple factors that all contribute to a trend’s success.
Relatability
One factor is relatability. People are more likely to engage with content that they can see themselves in – whether it’s through humor, shared experiences, or emotional resonance. This makes sense – we’re drawn to things that we can connect with on a personal level.
Novelty
Another key element is novelty. People love discovering new things and being the first to share them with their friends.
Viral trends often involve something unique or unexpected – something that captures people’s attention and gets them talking. This could be a dance, a sound clip over a video, or even filming yourself for a challenge.
Timing
Timing also plays a crucial role in the success of viral content. Trends tend to take off when they align with current events or pop culture moments.
For example, a meme referencing a TikTok video or meme will likely gain traction in connection to a particular current event – from a political scandal to a celebrity feud. The key is to tap into what people are already talking about and make your content relevant.
Humor
Humor is another powerful tool for creating viral content. People love to laugh and share funny things with their friends. Memes, jokes, and parodies all have the potential to go viral because they tap into our desire for entertainment and amusement.
But humor can be tricky – it’s important to strike the right balance between being clever and offensive or insensitive. A successful viral post should make people laugh while also respecting boundaries and avoiding controversy.
What’s The Impact of Viral Trends on Children & Teens?
While many viral trends are harmless or even positive, others can pose risks to children’s safety, mental health, or privacy. And as more and more of a child’s time is spent online (the average TikTok user spends 90 minutes or more on the app a day!), viral trends are gaining steam faster than ever.
As parents, we want to ensure that our kids aren’t participating in dangerous or inappropriate challenges that could put them in danger physically or legally.
Are There Positives To Viral Trends?
While we’ll focus on the negatives, there are some positive aspects to viral trends:
- Creativity and self-expression: Many trends encourage kids to be creative and express themselves through art, dance, or humor.
- Community building: Participating in trends can help children feel connected to a larger community and their peers.
- Awareness and education: Some trends, like environmental challenges, can educate and raise awareness about important issues.
What Are The Risks of Viral Trends?
Viral trends – particularly those that are risky and dangerous – can be appealing to many children or teens looking to prove themselves or gain attention. However, these trends can have serious consequences:
- Safety concerns: Some dangerous internet challenges can put children at physical risk.
- Privacy issues: Certain trends may involve sharing personal information or images that could compromise a child’s privacy.
- Cyberbullying: The competitive nature of some trends can lead to negative comments or online bullying.
- Mental health impacts: The pressure to participate or gain likes and followers can affect a child’s self-esteem and mental well-being.
How to Guide Your Children Through Viral Trends
As parents, our role is to guide our children through the complex world of viral social media trends – and that begins with knowing how these trends happen in the first place and how to talk to our kids about them.
1. Stay Informed
Make an effort to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Follow popular social media accounts, read tech news, or simply ask your children about what’s trending. If you hear word of a particularly concerning trend, check out websites such as KnowYourMeme or Reddit forums to learn more.
2. Keep an Open Avenue of Communication
Encourage open dialogue about online activities. Create a safe space where your children feel comfortable discussing the trends they’re seeing or participating in.
3. Foster Critical Thinking
Help your children develop the skills to evaluate trends critically. Teach them to ask questions like:
- Is this trend safe?
- Does it align with our family’s values?
- What are the potential consequences of participating?
When kids can think critically about trends, they are less likely to be swayed by peer pressure or harmful content.
4. Set Clear Guidelines
Establish clear rules about online behavior and participation in trends. Make sure your children understand what’s acceptable and what’s off-limits – and the potential consequences of taking part in risky trends.
5. Lead by Example
Model responsible online behavior. Show your children how to engage with trends and digital media in a safe, respectful, and responsible way. (And to really make sure they stay away from a trend, get goofy about it yourself!)
6. Use Parental Controls
Consider using parental control tools like Kidslox to monitor and manage your child’s online activities. These can help you stay aware of the content your child is consuming and creating and can give you a better idea of what spheres of influence may impact your kids online.
Enjoy The Internet Safely – Together
Viral trends are here to stay, and as parents, our job is not to shield our children from them entirely, but to equip them with the tools to engage safely and meaningfully. The key is to stay informed and engaged with your child’s online activities.
Remember, every child is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. The key is to stay engaged, keep the lines of communication open, and be a positive guide in your child’s digital journey.
With the right approach, viral trends can be an opportunity for learning, creativity, and positive social engagement for your children.
Want to learn more about how to help your child stay safe online? Check out our latest guides and insights to see how you can navigate the world of technology and keep your family safe.
