7 Reasons the TikTok Curse Exorcism Trend Gives Me the Jitters

Hey friend, long time no talk! I was just scrolling through TikTok the other day – you know, procrastinating like usual – and I stumbled upon something that seriously gave me the creeps: the TikTok Curse exorcism trend. I know, it sounds wild, right? Basically, it’s a bunch of videos where people, mostly teens, are performing these elaborate, theatrical exorcisms, supposedly to rid themselves of “curses” they believe they’ve picked up from… well, TikTok.

Now, I’m all for a bit of fun and self-expression, but this trend struck me as a little… off. It got me thinking about the potential impact this could be having on young people, particularly when it comes to anxiety. I mean, think about it. We’re living in a world that’s already pretty stressful for kids, and then you throw social media into the mix with its constant comparisons and pressures… it’s a recipe for feeling overwhelmed.

The Rise of the TikTok Curse: Where Did This Come From?

Honestly, tracing the exact origin of this whole TikTok Curse phenomenon is a bit like trying to catch smoke. It seems to have sprung up from various corners of the app, fueled by viral audios, challenges, and just a general sense of… well, maybe a collective anxiety about the state of the world. Some videos claim that simply watching certain types of content can “curse” you, leading to bad luck or negative energy. It sounds ridiculous, I know, but to a young, impressionable mind, it can feel very real.

I remember when I was a teenager. I was convinced that walking under a ladder would bring me years of bad luck. It was a completely irrational fear, but at the time, it felt incredibly significant. It was a way for me to feel in control of something, anything, when everything else felt so uncertain. I suspect some of these teens engaging with this trend might be feeling something similar. They’re grasping at something, anything, that gives them a sense of agency in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming. I think that fear plays a big part in all of this.

How TikTok “Exorcisms” Might Worsen Youth Anxiety

Here’s where my concern really kicks in. This TikTok Curse exorcism trend, while seemingly harmless fun, could be inadvertently exacerbating anxiety in young people. Think about it: if you believe you’re cursed, you’re already in a heightened state of anxiety. Then, performing a dramatic “exorcism” – often involving intense emotions, physical movements, and chanting – could potentially amplify those feelings.

It’s almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy. You believe you’re cursed, you perform an exorcism, and then, because you’ve put so much emotional energy into it, you become even more convinced of the curse’s power. It’s a cycle that can be difficult to break. And let’s not forget the performative aspect of it all. These videos are being created for an audience, which adds another layer of pressure and anxiety. It becomes less about genuine self-healing and more about seeking validation and attention.

The Power of Suggestion: A Worrying Factor

We all know the power of suggestion can be incredibly strong. Think about placebo effect, for example. If someone believes a sugar pill will cure their headache, it sometimes does! The TikTok Curse trend leverages this same principle, but in a potentially harmful way. By repeatedly exposing themselves to videos about curses and negative energy, young people may be unconsciously programming themselves to believe they are susceptible to these influences.

I had a friend in college who was convinced she was allergic to everything. She’d read articles about food sensitivities and then suddenly, she’d start experiencing symptoms. It turned out to be anxiety manifesting physically. I think the TikTok Curse thing has a similar dynamic. The constant exposure to negativity, even if it’s presented as “fun” or “ironic,” can have a real impact on mental well-being. This exposure creates a state of hyper-awareness, where normal everyday experiences are interpreted through a lens of fear and suspicion.

Real vs. Perceived Threats: Blurring the Lines

One of the things that worries me most about this whole TikTok Curse phenomenon is the way it blurs the lines between real and perceived threats. In a world that is already filled with genuine challenges and anxieties, this trend adds another layer of fear and uncertainty. It’s like creating a boogeyman under the bed – something that’s not actually there, but still manages to evoke a powerful emotional response.

As adults, we often have the tools and experience to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not. But young people are still developing these skills. They’re more susceptible to suggestion and more likely to internalize the messages they encounter online. When these messages are filled with fear and superstition, the potential for harm is significant. That’s why it’s crucial for parents and educators to engage in open and honest conversations with young people about the realities of social media and the importance of critical thinking.

The Dangers of Self-Diagnosis and Treatment

The idea of diagnosing yourself with a “TikTok curse” and then attempting to “exorcise” it through online rituals is, frankly, a bit alarming. Self-diagnosis can be incredibly dangerous, especially when it comes to mental health. If someone is truly struggling with anxiety or other mental health issues, they need to seek professional help from a qualified therapist or counselor. Performing a TikTok exorcism is not a substitute for evidence-based treatment.

I think it’s also easy for kids to fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others. This trend plays into that a bit too. Seeing other people online perform these dramatic rituals might make some young people feel like they need to do the same, even if they don’t genuinely believe they’re cursed. It’s about fitting in and following the crowd, even if it means engaging in behavior that could be harmful or counterproductive. You might feel like you need to, or should feel like you need to.

A Call for Critical Thinking and Media Literacy

Ultimately, the TikTok Curse exorcism trend highlights the urgent need for improved media literacy and critical thinking skills among young people. We need to equip them with the tools to evaluate the information they encounter online, to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not, and to understand the potential impact of social media on their mental health.

It’s not about banning TikTok or censoring content. It’s about empowering young people to be responsible and discerning consumers of information. It’s about teaching them how to navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience. And it’s about creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable talking about their anxieties and seeking help when they need it. Because honestly, if we don’t, trends like this will only get worse.

Let’s Talk About It

So, what do you think? Am I overreacting, or do you see the potential for harm in this trend as well? I’d love to hear your thoughts. It feels like a pretty delicate balance of knowing when it’s something silly, and when it’s actually a cry for help. If we can help educate and equip the younger generation, then perhaps trends like the TikTok Curse won’t be such a problem.

Find out more about youth anxiety and how to combat it: TikTok Curse