Opinion/Resources/Teen Perspective
By Teen Opinion Contributor Maggie Verdught
Photo: Deposit
“Fads,” or “trends,” as they are most commonly called, are an important part of life. Oftentimes, trends define certain time periods, because they reflect the values of people in society at that time.
In the 1970s, for example, the hippy/flower-child style of clothing was very popular and prevalent. Why? There was a movement for peace, change, and reunification, especially among the youth at that time. This was largely driven by milestones such as the Vietnam War, the end of the Civil Rights Movement, and a push for women’s rights, among other things. People dressed “freely,” so to speak; it was a unique style that characterized this era.
Trends haven’t disappeared from life – far from it! In fact, trends are popularized more than ever before, constant and constantly changing due to the impact of social media. With this article, I want to explore the topic of trends in today’s culture, and how they impact us as Christians.
Colossians 3:2 should be Christians’ anthem of truth when discussing this topic: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (ESV).
Trends and ‘brain rot’ in today’s culture
If you have school-age children, you have definitely heard about some recent trends on social media, like the “6-7” one. TikTok dance trends are also constantly circulating on social media. This includes popular songs, which become the sound/background music for these dance trends, or certain trends in general. Sometimes these trends are harmless and silly – not inappropriate, provocative, or bad. However, some trends are definitely inappropriate and sinful (especially when it comes to music and dance choices).
Another thing to be aware of is what “brain rot” means, and its implications. This term was coined to describe “mindless digital content; the fixation on it and harmful mental effects of it” (from Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary). Unsurprisingly, this is directly connected to trends on social media, especially those which are meaningless and silly. “Brain rot” has been popularized and glorified among younger generations. Cheap entertainment is held on a pedestal, and wrongfully so.
Why it matters
Trends impact everyone’s life in some way, and that’s why this topic matters. Popular culture is all around us. As the saying goes, “there is nothing new under the sun.” We are all born with a sinful nature! Today’s trends reveal what we do and do not prioritize as a culture. This is especially relevant with younger generations (Gen Z, Gen Alpha) as we “set the stage” for what our values are, and how we will pass that on, which impacts the future.
With that in mind, it can be a little depressing to see how the content that younger generations are absorbing affects everyone. The way in which you spend time, and particularly time on social media, makes a great difference. Maybe you can remember the song from Sunday School: “Be careful little ears what you hear… be careful little eyes what you see…”
The more time you spend watching something like “brain rot,” the more likely you are to behave in an uncaring way towards life in general. Yes, that is a strong statement! However, I believe that it is the truth. As you spend time on social media, watching influencers and content, you become conformed to who they are. The problem is that sin has polluted EVERYTHING.
Popular culture and trends today reveal our sin in a sad way. We want “stuff” to make us happy. Food, leisure, riches, traveling, exercise – all of these things and more are idolized. This bleeds into social media, and we find ourselves coveting what others have, disappointed and discontent with our own lives. We are self-centered, immoral, idolatrous people.
Yet, this problem also reveals what we need instead! You probably guessed it, but we need Jesus. All of these silly trends in popular culture show us that we need a Savior. How? For example, a scantily-clad girl dancing on Tiktok for views reveals that we are searching for something deeper. We want to be seen and loved. We want to be sought after and have purpose. This is all met in the person of Jesus Christ. He is all that we need. I really like the song In Christ Alone and how it beautifully retells this truth: “In Christ alone, my hope is found/ He is my light, my strength, my song.”
How we respond as Christians
For Christians, then, the question is: how does one interact with popular culture? How do we discern which trends to enjoy and laugh at, and which ones to reject?
More importantly, we should be concerned with the state of our hearts as we make these decisions. It is what you make it. You can do an appropriate dance trend and glorify God while having fun. You can make a snack that you saw an influencer make. You can make the “6-7” joke. Discernment is key.
We as Christians are called to be different from the world; this includes condemning sinful behaviors that do not glorify God. However, not all trends in popular culture are sinful.
This issue can be really difficult sometimes, especially for kids, when they simply want to fit in with their friends. Be understanding, and let them take part in the fun trends that honor God.
Change starts with you and your family. The culture needs Christians to shine the light of Jesus into a dark world. So, don’t let your family get swept away by wanting to be like the world! Stand firm in the faith and understand that trends are a gray area that must be understood better.
May God bless you as you stand firm in the faith this week!
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27, ESV).
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Maggie VerDught is a high school student who enjoys learning about culture, news, and politics.
She is passionate about sharing the truth, especially with her generation. Maggie loves to run, read, and write poetry in her spare time.
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