Gen Z has a sardonic sense of humor. The way they approach serious situations with black humor is second to none. The recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which engulfed hundreds of properties, shocked people around the world. But the way Gen Z dealt with grief and loss with their signature humor was also celebrated on social media.
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The IG page Girlrewind re-shared on TikTok a young man who quoted, “Historians will miss this generation.” The video shows a young man filming himself against the scorched earth to Ellie Goulding’s song Burn. He was also seen encouraging the firefighters with a hand and heart gesture.
In an interview with HT Digital, Dr. Deepak Patkar, MD, Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai, explained more about Gen Z’s style of humor and how it can be a coping mechanism for them.
Gen Z’s understanding of humor
Dr. Patkar emphasized that humor is not only for funny situations, but also as a way to deal with uncomfortable emotions and circumstances. He said: “This is particularly common among the Gen Z population, who use laughter and comedic content to cope with the pressures and tensions of a highly stressful environment. Several studies have shown that more than 95% of teenagers regularly use social media, offering a large amount of comedic content related to events around the world.’
So the exposure to humorous content and memes has changed the “normal serious approach”. In a way, they find a silver lining even with the darkest humor. The seriousness of the situation is hidden behind sarcastic humor to make it much easier to deal with. Humor also helps to lighten the emotional burden.
Further explaining the behavior of young people to understand this ‘frivolous generation’, he said: ‘By posting against the backdrop of major disasters such as forest fires or earthquakes, teenagers are unconsciously trying to create a sense of camaraderie. Some may also try to regain a sense of control, especially during natural disasters, by seeking online support in the form of views and sharing. At the outset, such actions may be considered insensitive, but Generation Z has been observed to use humor as a coping mechanism.’
Since a large number of young people follow sarcastic influencers on social media, their attitude can be emulated. He warned: “At the same time, these influencers need to make sure that said humor does not overshadow their need for foreboding or turn concern into mockery. This can strain their relationship with the audience they are trying to connect with. From a clinical perspective, it is important to encourage adolescents to explore the intentions behind their actions. If they seek to raise awareness of a particular event, sympathizing with the victims of a tragedy, or simply using a tragedy for personal gain.’
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
