Adults understand that just because something is an internet trend, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. However, younger users are much more impressionable and may try dangerous challenges they see on social media. That’s why parents should keep an eye on their teens and monitor or limit their internet usage. It’s also important for parents to stay up-to-date on internet trends that could be leading their kids astray. Here are 10 concerning online fads that can misguide young users.
1. Diet Culture
Diet culture is an internet trend that can mislead young users and cause them to engage in unhealthy behaviors. Influencers often encourage dieting and post before and after photos showing their weight loss progress. But kids may not understand that it’s important to speak to your doctor before starting a new exercise and eating plan.
Young users may also find information about crash diets and decide to try them, which could potentially harm their health. Parents should monitor their children’s internet usage to ensure they’re not being exposed to toxic diet culture online.
2. Quiet Luxury Trend
The quiet luxury fad is another internet trend that can mislead young users. Social media is full of influencers who lead luxurious lifestyles. Without context, young users may begin to believe that it’s normal to go on expensive vacations and buy designer clothing all the time.
They may even feel inadequate because they don’t own high-end items and beg their parents for designer goods. It’s important for parents to explain that the extravagant spenders they see on social media are outliers so they aren’t misled.
3. Dangerous Eating Challenges
Over the years, many dangerous eating challenges have become internet trends. The cinnamon challenge encouraged kids to eat big spoonfuls of cinnamon, which could cause coughing and breathing problems. Teens also started recording themselves eating Tide Pods, which was an incredibly harmful trend. To prevent their kids from engaging in this risky behavior, parents should monitor or limit their children’s internet access using parental control apps.
4. Harmful Pranks
Pranks are another harmful internet trend that can mislead young users. Apps like TikTok may encourage teens to engage in mean-spirited or even illegal pranks. For example, the “Devious Lick” challenge inspired students to start stealing lockers from their schools. This misbehavior could get kids in serious trouble and lead them down the wrong path in life.
5. Misinformation
Considering the fact that even adults are influenced by fake news, misinformation online can trick young users. Kids may not understand the importance of verifying information before believing it. Since many social media sites don’t engage in any kind of fact-checking, misinformation can be rampant. So parents must teach their kids to seek out reliable news sources and take everything they see on social media with a grain of salt.
6. Skincare Internet Trend
Among the most harmful internet trends is skincare for tweens. Young TikTok users, especially girls, have begun to believe they need skincare products designed for adults. These formulations may contain ingredients that are too harsh for their young skin, potentially causing irritation and damage. If your young daughter is asking for anti-aging skincare she saw on TikTok, reassure her that her face is perfect and she doesn’t need them.
7. Cyberbullying
Adults understand that people say rude things on the internet that they don’t really mean and would never repeat in person. However, young internet users may take these negative comments to heart. Kids and teens can develop low self-esteem when they’re cyberbullied online. The widespread prevalence of cyberbullying may even mislead kids into believing rude behavior is ok. As adults, it’s our job to teach the next generation the importance of respect.
8. Self-Help Internet Trend
Rigid self-improvement fads can encourage young internet users to be excessively hard on themselves. For example, the 75 Hard challenge involves rules like eliminating unhealthy foods and working out twice a day for 75 consecutive days. If you fail to achieve one of the daily goals, you have to restart the challenge from day one. Experts say that this internet trend is too strict and isn’t backed by science. As a result, 75 Hard could misguide young internet users by teaching them that it isn’t ok to take a rest day.
9. Doomscrolling
Another unhealthy internet trend that’s been normalized is doomscrolling. Gen Z is so addicted to negative online content that they’ve been called the “doomscroll generation.” Experts say that this high level of exposure to bad news is making young internet users depressed.
Spending too much time on social media can mislead teens into believing that the world is a dark, lonely place, which is far from the truth. Encouraging your kids to spend less time on their phones can help improve their well-being and strengthen their real-world friendships.
10. Product Reviews
Influencers frequently get paid by brands to review products. However, these product placements may mislead young users, who may not understand that what they’re seeing is an ad. Additionally, teens may feel like they have a close relationship with social media stars, causing them to be more susceptible to influencer marketing tactics. Teaching your kids to be skeptical of online product hype can help them avoid wasting money.
Protect Your Kids From The Next Harmful Internet Trend
Sadly, the internet is full of negative content that’s bad for young minds. Parents must take steps to protect their kids from harmful online influences, such as dangerous challenges and misinformation. If your child won’t share what they’re up to online, you may need to download a parental control app to monitor their internet usage. Although your teen may not appreciate this oversight, it’s for their own good.