Scroll through TikTok or check your teen’s Snapchat feed, and you’ll probably notice something strange, like them obsessing over something called ‘6‑7’. Maybe it’s a number, a phrase, a quirky inside joke, or some emoji combination that makes zero sense to adults. It seems like every other week, a new trend catches fire and spreads like wildfire. But these aren’t just random bursts of silliness, they’re powerful social cues rooted in the psychology of adolescence. Teens don’t just jump on trends to pass time; they do it because it serves a critical purpose in how they connect, communicate, and carve out their identities. Instead of asking, “Why are they like this?” a better question might be, “What does this trend do for them?” Understanding the why behind these viral behaviours reveals deep truths about the teen brain, their emotional needs, and the digital environments they navigate every day.
The teenage brain is wired for peer approval. That means likes, follows, shares, and laughs aren’t just fun – they’re fuel. In fact, studies from UNC-Chapel Hill show that teens who frequently use social media develop a heightened sensitivity to social feedback. Their brains light up more intensely in response to social inclusion or exclusion. So when they see peers using ‘6‑7’ in comments or videos, the urge to join in is biologically reinforced. Not doing it? That can feel like social exile. Teens ask themselves, “Will others like me more if I post this?” – a question that drives so much of their digital behaviour. They’re not being superficial; they’re playing by the rules of their peer ecosystem.
What’s more, adolescence is all about identity. Everything from how teens dress to what they post online is part of a broader quest to figure out who they are. And trends offer an easy, low-risk way to test out pieces of identity. When a teen joins in on ‘6‑7’, it’s not always about understanding it fully – it’s about being part of something, signalling, “I’m in. I get it.” That’s why even the weirdest, most random trends become social shorthand. To adults, it might look trivial. But to teens, it’s symbolic. They’re not just copying for fun – they’re trying to fit in, experiment, and figure out where they belong.
Adding to the mix is a fundamental imbalance in the adolescent brain. The reward systems – the ones that release dopamine when something feels good – are fully online. But the control systems responsible for impulse control, long-term planning, and risk evaluation? Those are still under construction. This means teens are neurologically more likely to be driven by instant gratification than long-term outcomes. So when a teen sees their friend get 300 likes for referencing ‘6‑7’, the desire to join in isn’t about logic – it’s about emotional payoff. Even if they don’t totally get it, the reward of attention, inclusion, or a laugh is enough to justify the post.
And then there’s the platform itself. Social media algorithms are designed to amplify what’s trending. When a teen engages with a popular post, they’re more likely to see similar content. This creates a feedback loop where trends are not only sustained – but intensified. ‘6‑7’ becomes unavoidable, and not knowing about it can feel like being locked out of a conversation everyone else is having. That kind of social exclusion, especially during adolescence, can feel devastating. So participation becomes less of a choice and more of a necessity.
The psychology of these trends reveals a deeper emotional equation teens are always solving. Trends satisfy three key emotional needs: belonging, expression, and recognition. First, there’s belonging. Posting or referencing ‘6‑7’ tells their peers, “I’m with you. I understand.” Then there’s expression – creative teens might remix or parody a trend, adding their own spin to stand out while still being part of the crowd. And finally, recognition. A trend that gets laughs or likes reinforces self-worth. Even a small reaction from a friend or follower is a dopamine hit that keeps them coming back for more.
So how should adults respond? The most common reactions – mocking, dismissing, or outright banning – can often backfire. Dismissing a trend as dumb or meaningless might seem harmless, but to a teen, it can feel like a personal attack. These trends, however ridiculous they appear, are connected to a teen’s sense of identity. Mock the trend, and you might be mocking them. On the flip side, overreacting – through punishment or banning apps – often drives behaviour underground. Teens become secretive. The trend becomes forbidden fruit. And in trying to protect them, you may be pushing them further away.
Instead, the key is curiosity. Rather than reacting with confusion or criticism, start with questions. “Hey, I saw this ‘6‑7’ thing everywhere – what do you think about it?” That simple shift from interrogation to conversation can build trust. Asking questions like, “Does it make you laugh, or do you feel pressure to post it?” helps teens reflect on their own behaviour. You’re not accusing – they’re exploring. And when a trend is genuinely concerning – whether because it’s offensive, unsafe, or just mean-spirited – set calm, clear boundaries. “You can joke around, but I’m worried about how this might hurt someone. Let’s talk about a better way to engage.” That shows respect for their autonomy while guiding them ethically.
In a world full of noise, teens don’t need adults who try to decode every meme – they need adults who are willing to listen. Who don’t freak out over every new trend. Who show up consistently, even when they don’t understand. Research shows that teens who have just one adult who listens and encourages authenticity are more likely to develop strong self-concepts and emotional resilience. That kind of presence is more powerful than any parental control app.
Trends will come and go. Today it’s ‘6‑7’. Tomorrow it might be something even weirder. But behind every viral phrase is a real kid asking, “Do I matter?” “Do I belong?” “Is anyone paying attention?” Your job isn’t to police every post. It’s to offer an anchor in a fast-moving world. Be the person who says, “I may not get this trend – but I get that it matters to you.” That one sentence can open doors, start conversations, and most importantly, keep your connection with your teen strong – even when the internet feels like a foreign country.
