Trending This Week: Slang words, Smishing, and Oversharing on TikTok
A new slang term is gaining popularity, though many students may not fully understand its origins or meaning. At the same time, the “You’re So Funny” TikTok trend is giving students a space to share personal experiences, highlighting the importance of knowing what and how much to share online. Meanwhile, smishing scams disguised as toll payment messages are a great reminder to be cautious with unexpected texts.
As educators, staying ahead of these trends can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help keep you up-to-date on the top student trends and how to equip them to think critically, protect their privacy, and create a more positive online culture.
Are There Hidden Hurtful Meanings Behind Viral Student Slang Words?
The Gist: There’s a new way to call someone unattractive, but are students using it without being fully aware of its meaning? A new slang word that is a shortened version of the derogatory and inappropriate term “chopped huzz” has gone viral on TikTok and other social media platforms. Keeping up with new slang and its true meanings is hard for adults and students alike, especially as social media makes new words go viral overnight. So how can we empower students to be aware of the deeper terms they are using and put cyberback into action when they realize the term is demeaning?
What to know: A term that starts as an inside joke or a playful phrase can quickly take on harmful undertones, especially when used to demean others. The casual use of words like the abbreviated version of “chopped huzz” may seem harmless to students who don’t understand the full context. Still, when a term carries negative implications about someone’s appearance, it can contribute to a larger culture of online bullying. Without awareness, students may unknowingly engage in or perpetuate cyberbullying simply by using trendy words that insult or demean their peers.
Some high school students in Pennsylvania were asked about their experience with social media. Tyra Bookman spoke up about cyberbullying and its harmful effects, saying that it can “really ruin a person and their self-esteem,” “bring down their confidence,” and affect “how they feel about themselves overall.” She also notes the empowerment of not letting name-calling get to you and keeping your head up by focusing on yourself.
TSI’s Take: In order to take control of cyberbullying, we need to help students navigate how to handle it. Livvy Dunne, an LSU gymnast and popular influencer, says that “you’ve got to just choose to ignore it” but also emphasizes that having a support system of trusted individuals makes a big difference.
This is where cyberbacking becomes a crucial tool in fostering a positive online environment. Instead of being passive bystanders, we can encourage students to push back against harmful language by calling attention to its negative impact. Cyberbacking can take many forms, from reporting offensive content to supporting peers who are targeted by derogatory slang. Educators can empower students to critically assess the words they use and the digital spaces they engage with, reinforcing that language has power. When students recognize that even “just a joke” can be damaging, they are more likely to rethink their words and hold each other accountable. By promoting cyberbacking, schools can help cultivate a culture where students not only avoid using harmful slang but actively challenge it, creating safer and more respectful online and offline communities.
Want to help students understand the consequences of cyberbullying and navigate it positively? Check out The Social Institute’s #WinAtSocial Lesson: Handling online hate and hurtful messages by controlling the controllable.
“Smishing:” Cyberscammers texting students
The Gist: A new cyberscam is making the rounds disguised as a text message demanding payment for past-due tolls. While many students might recognize this as a scam, others, especially younger ones, may not. And the truth is these scams take many forms, from fake delivery notifications to fraudulent banking alerts. So, even students who aren’t driving yet need to be aware of how scammers operate to recognize red flags before clicking a dangerous link.
What to know: “Smishing” – a combination of the term “SMS” (short messaging service) and “phishing” are an increasingly popular form of cybercrime. Hackers know that victims are more likely to click links on text messages because it’s harder to notice a dangerous link on a mobile device sent to your personal phone number. According to Proofpoint’s 2024 State of the Phish report, 75% of organizations experienced smishing attacks in 2023. So how does this “smishing” scam work?
Scammers impersonating toll agencies send fraudulent text messages that claim recipients have unpaid tolls and must pay immediately to avoid penalties. These messages often include links to fake payment portals designed to steal personal and financial information. What makes this scam particularly deceptive is its use of official-sounding language and urgent warnings, creating a sense of panic that pressures students into clicking before they can verify the legitimacy of the message.
TSI’s Take: Most students feel confident about avoiding tricky online scams, but 78% of Gen-Z students use the same password for multiple websites, which makes them more susceptible to cybersecurity threats. With smishing on the rise, it’s essential that students are reminded to never open links from unknown senders. If they suspect a message is a scam, most phones will give the option to delete and report the message.
As educators, this is a prime opportunity to help students protect their privacy like they’re famous. Understanding how to spot scams is an essential part of navigating social media and technology safely. By discussing real-world examples like this toll scam, we can empower students to think critically, question suspicious messages, and protect themselves online. The more they know, the less likely they are to fall for the next viral scam.
Want to help students navigate phishing scams and learn the best practices to counteract them? Check out The Social Institute’s #WinAtSocial Lesson: Knowing when to put up our guard with strangers and hackers.
Are Students Oversharing Online in viral TikTok trends?
The Gist: TikTok trends are fun ways for students to connect with their friends and often create a sense of community by highlighting similar experiences or feelings people are having. However, sometimes these trends have unexpected consequences. The latest of these trends, the “You’re So Funny“ trend on TikTok, involves users sharing videos or photos with the caption “You’re so funny,” followed by text saying “Thanks,” and goes on to reveal a personal experience that has shaped their sense of humor. Often, these experiences are rooted in past traumas or challenging situations, as participants use humor as a coping mechanism to discuss these sensitive topics. While this trend can foster a sense of community among users with similar experiences, it also raises concerns about students oversharing online.
What to know: The “You’re So Funny” trend on TikTok is taking off, with students and influencers alike using humor to share personal experiences—including tough or even traumatic moments. While the number of videos in this trend is constantly changing, its widespread reach highlights the importance of helping students navigate online storytelling in a smart and responsible way.
Experts say sharing personal experiences online can be both empowering and risky. On the upside, there are some very real benefits to sharing your experiences, such as helping process emotions, build resilience, and connect with others who relate. But there’s another side to consider. Psychologists warn that oversharing online can create a false sense of support, keeping students from seeking real-world connections or professional help. Plus, social media algorithms can push extreme content, increasing anxiety rather than helping.
TSI’s Take
Educators can play a key role in helping students navigate the “You’re So Funny” trend in a way that encourages self-expression while promoting emotional well-being. Here are a few ways to guide students:
- Teach Digital Boundaries: Help students recognize the difference between healthy sharing and oversharing.
- Promote Safe Storytelling: Instead of discouraging students from expressing themselves, guide them to share experiences while protecting their privacy.
- Encourage Peer Support & Trusted Adults: Promote open conversations about mental health and connect them with school counselors, mentors, or family members who can provide guidance.
- Discuss Social Media’s Influence: Help students understand how algorithms work—social platforms often amplify extreme content, which can make challenges seem bigger or more universal than they are.
By fostering a culture of thoughtful sharing and real-world support, educators can empower students to engage in online trends in ways that are both meaningful and safe. Looking for more ways to support student well-being, both online and offline? Check out this School Playbook that explores the impact social media and tech have on student well-being and how you can support them.
Helping Students Protect Their Privacy and Cyberback Each Other
Whether it’s using slang without realizing its impact, oversharing in a viral trend, or clicking on scam text, small online choices can have big consequences. By helping students build awareness, set digital boundaries, and practice cyberbacking, educators can empower them to navigate social media and technology in ways that protect their well-being and foster stronger connections. The more students understand how words, trends, and scams shape their online experiences, the more confidently they can make smart, thoughtful choices. Want to help students sharpen their digital instincts and take control of their online world? Stay ahead of the latest trends impacting students by subscribing to The Huddle — our expert breakdown of social media, tech, and current events shaping students — online and offline.
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.