Overall, I wouldn’t consider myself old or frail, but the internet has a way of making me feel old and exhausted. Maybe you can relate.Sometimes I find myself reading something I barely understand, only to realize it’s English; it’s just the new, hot slang that teenagers are using.
Other times I come across a new trend—like ‘canceling’—and wonder when and where I lost touch.
Then there are online trends that seem to come and go like the summer harvest. I’d be lying if I said I ever paid attention, but that doesn’t mean they can’t become immensely popular during their brief time in the spotlight.
Some of these trends, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, are positive, charitable drives that inspire people to come together to make a real difference in the world.
Others may not be as helpful for society as a whole. Some are downright dangerous (think of the Tide Pod Challenge, which was reportedly a ‘thing’ in 2018).
Hold on tight, because there seems to be a new trend on the rise that mainly affects young people and group photos.
The « nose covering » craze is essentially what it promises, with people using their hands to cover their noses—and thus a large part of their faces—so they don’t appear in pictures, even though they’re in them.
Strange? Yes, I admit, but that doesn’t make it any less real. Reportedly, the trend has sparked speculation among internet users that people are sending each other hidden signals, but the reality is much simpler.
In an interview with Fabulous, British parenting expert Amanda Jenner explained that wearing coverings is the only way for teenagers to remove themselves from photos without offending their parents by refusing to be in the picture.
« We parents wish and insist on capturing the moment, but for a teenager, that’s a big deal. Teenagers go through a phase where they don’t enjoy their appearance, which could include acne, braces, or just a lack of confidence. »
Jenner noted that « nose covering » can be especially important for young people worried about their images being shared online by friends.
« Peers often share the photo and make fun of it, which can be very damaging to their self-confidence and can lead to harmful comments that can lead to other problems, » she continued.
The specialist urged parents who have noticed their children participating in the practice to remember that this phase is a normal part of growing up, where the search for independence and the establishment of personal boundaries are important developmental milestones.