Going All In With Candy Salads: Gen Z's Novel Approach To Process Trauma
Written by: Charlie Sawyer
Published On: Sep 18, 2024 at 13:13
Reading Estimate: 2 minutes
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Gen Z TikTok users have been repurposing the "candy salad" challenge to express and share personal struggles and emotional distress, rather than the original lighthearted content intended.
TikTok, a platform known for fostering free speech, has consistently been the breeding ground for a diverse array of self-expression, be it relationship dramas, fashion trends, or personal grievances. So, it comes as no surprise that this era-defining social media platform introduces us to yet another coping mechanism — candy salads — that Gen Zers have wholeheartedly embraced.
Enter candy salads, a sugary confection made by mixing various candies to form a mixed salad. Remember those summer BBQs where fruit salads were the centerpiece? Well, bid farewell to the fruits because it's all about decadent sweets these days.
The wonderfully chaotic meme started making rounds on TikTok in May 2024, and to give you an idea of just how popular it has become, the term "Candy Salad" is now associated with over 500 million posts on the platform!
Initially, the majority of videos were of students from sports teams or classmates lining up and offering up a new type of candy to be added to the bowl. Before long, it wasn't just high-schoolers getting in on the action—friends, families, couples, and even bachelorette parties quickly jumped on board, making the trend a global phenomenon.
A Brief (Yet Delightful) History of Candy Salads
Tracing back the origins is a task befitting a detective, but one of the first TikTok creators to hop on the bandwagon was Savannah Alexander from the popular couple's account @joshandsav.
Candy Salads and Trauma, Ahh, a Match Made in Heaven
Fast forward, and the term "Candy Salad Trauma Dump" creates a storm on TikTok. Gen Zers, known for their frank discussions on mental health and openness about their personal lives, have adopted this lighthearted trend with serious intentions.
In these videos, participants introduce themselves, share a traumatic experience, and present the candy they've contributed to the salad bowl. Some might find these videos heartwarmingly honest, while others tackle heavier topics.
Collaborating with mental health professionals, we've found that sharing trauma within a trusted, supportive community can aid in the healing process. Candy salads, despite their playful and sweet nature, seem to have somehow managed to provide a safe platform for open discussion and sharing of experiences, creating a sense of camaraderie among participants.
While some cynics might remain skeptical about the deeper significance of candy salads, it's essential to note that their popularity among this generation highlights their profound need for emotional support and communal growth.
Ultimately, the candy salad trend has come to symbolize a courageous and unique approach to navigating the complexities of life. And as the world continues to evolve, it wouldn't be surprising if we encounter more such out-of-the-box coping mechanisms that draw from the creativity and resilience of Gen Z.
- The trend of candy salads, a mix of various candies resembling a salad, initially popularized on TikTok, has extended beyond high-schoolers, involving friends, families, couples, and even bachelorette parties, demonstrating its impact on the broader lifestyle and relationships trends.
- In an interesting turn of events, the candy salad trend on TikTok has evolved into a platform for mental health discussions, with videos dubbed "Candy Salad Trauma Dumps," as Gen Zers openly share their personal traumas and experiences, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
- Expanding the scope of health-and-wellness discussions, candy salads, despite their apparent frivolity, have emerged as a creative outlet for Gen Zers to process trauma, showing the importance of self-expression in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and even science, as a new way to cope with life's complexities.
