If you’re anything like me, the phrase "cringe culture" evokes a time when the internet was dominated by the perpetual fear of embarrassment. I remember scrolling through social media and seeing someone post a TikTok dance, cringing internally at what others might say. The judgment always seemed harsh, and I feared that my goofy, eccentric moments would become the next viral tease.
But now, in 2025, "cringe culture" is finally buried. What has replaced it is something far richer, more inclusive, and—dare I say—much healthier for all of us navigating digital life.
What Was "Cringe Culture"?
Let’s rewind. Cringe culture referred to mocking others for content seen as awkward or embarrassing. It was a reflex, often amplified by timelines and comment sections designed for quick takes and quick laughs.
1. Born in the Early 2010s
Platforms like Vine and early Instagram thrived on bite-sized content that often blurred the line between humor and humiliation. We were quick to judge, even quicker to share. Mocking awkward dance videos or poorly lit selfies felt like sport.
2. A Climate of Competition
Being “cool” online meant distancing yourself from anything that felt genuine or vulnerable. I remember wincing at videos of karaoke performances or unpolished skits—not because they were bad, but because cringe culture trained me to laugh first and empathize later.
3. What It Really Cost Us
Beyond the laughs, cringe culture built walls. It discouraged experimentation, punished sincerity, and created an environment where only the curated survived. Looking back, it feels like we robbed ourselves of a decade of genuine creativity.
The Pew Perspective: How Did It Affect Us?
Cringe culture wasn’t just annoying—it was damaging.
1. Anxiety and Performance
By 2020, Pew Research reported higher anxiety among younger social media users. I felt that firsthand. Before posting a photo, I’d edit, re-edit, and second-guess myself. The fear of ridicule kept me in a constant state of digital self-consciousness.
2. Creativity on Hold
Friends of mine loved TikTok challenges but never participated. “What if people laugh?” was their reason. Cringe culture silenced voices before they had the chance to grow.
3. The Emotional Hangover
The quick laugh of calling something “cringe” often masked a deeper discomfort: seeing someone else dare while we stayed quiet. It left us cynical, not connected.
The Turning Point: Why "Cringe Culture" Died
So, what cracked the façade?
1. The Pandemic Shift
When the world shut down, people craved connection more than coolness. Messy sourdough starters, awkward dance videos, and candid livestreams became the glue that held us together.
2. Influencers Leading the Charge
Creators like Emma Chamberlain changed the template. Her perfectly imperfect style resonated more than staged perfection. Suddenly, flaws became features.
3. The Power of Vulnerability
When influencers and everyday people shared mental health struggles, childhood stories, or behind-the-scenes chaos, audiences embraced it. Vulnerability wasn’t mocked—it was celebrated.
The Rise of the Authenticity Movement
In the ashes of cringe culture came authenticity.
1. Algorithms Evolve
Social media platforms noticed the shift. Content that resonated emotionally began outperforming snarky hot takes. Authenticity wasn’t just popular—it was rewarded.
2. Realness as Currency
Today, “Is this real?” matters more than “Is this cool?” From TikToks filmed in messy bedrooms to podcasts that sound like unedited conversations, realness wins.
3. A More Inclusive Internet
This shift allowed space for everyone—neurodiverse creators, older voices, niche hobbies. No longer did you need to fit the polished mold to belong.
The Psychology of Embarrassment: Why the Shift Happened
The death of cringe culture wasn’t accidental. It was psychological.
1. Shared Vulnerability
When the world collectively faced uncertainty during the pandemic, embarrassment lost its edge. We were all awkward together, and that solidarity softened judgment.
2. Reframing Mistakes
Psychologists note that reframing “mistakes” as part of growth encourages resilience. Online, this translated into celebrating effort rather than ridiculing imperfection.
3. The Confidence Rebound
As people posted more authentic content and saw supportive responses, confidence snowballed. I experienced it myself when I shared a wobbly singing cover—and instead of ridicule, I got encouragement.
My Personal Journey Through the Shift
Experiencing this cultural pivot changed my relationship with expression.
1. From Hiding to Sharing
For years, I deleted photos if they didn’t look flawless. But the authenticity wave encouraged me to share imperfect, candid moments—and the response was warmer than I imagined.
2. Testing Creative Waters
I finally tried posting my guitar covers, mistakes and all. What I expected to be labeled “cringe” instead sparked connections with people who related.
3. Discovering Joy in Imperfection
The biggest surprise? Posting without overthinking brought joy. The internet stopped feeling like an audition and started feeling like a community.
Cultural Ripple Effects Beyond Social Media
The end of cringe culture reshaped more than just timelines.
1. Workplaces
Professional life loosened. Employees felt freer to show personality on Zoom calls or in Slack chats without fear of being seen as “unprofessional.”
2. Marketing and Brands
Brands shifted tone, too. Campaigns now highlight authenticity—behind-the-scenes clips, unpolished photos, relatable messaging—because audiences reject over-curation.
3. Everyday Life
Offline, people stopped performing as much. It became more acceptable to laugh at yourself, admit mistakes, or try something new without worrying about being judged.
The Future of Digital Expression
Where are we headed now?
1. Communities Over Performances
Future platforms will likely lean even more toward connection, emphasizing safe spaces where people can share without fear of judgment.
2. Apps for Inclusion
We may see more apps designed around inclusivity, prioritizing belonging over performance. The seeds are already there.
3. Freedom to Just “Be”
The biggest win is freedom—the ability to exist online without filtering every move through fear of ridicule.
Premiere Points!
- Embrace the Real: In 2025, genuine content trumped polished perfection.
- Pandemic Pivot: COVID-19 catalyzed a societal craving for authentic connection over snarky remarks.
- Community Over Competition: Platforms today celebrate shared stories and camaraderie.
- Algorithms Adapt: Social platforms now favor raw emotion and heartfelt narratives.
- Freedom to "Be": The shift welcomes diverse expressions without fear of judgment.
Why This Matters
In this new era, cringe culture belongs in the archive of internet history. What replaced it is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle shift toward authenticity, vulnerability, and inclusivity.
For me, that shift meant freedom: freedom to post, to share, to express without fear of ridicule. And I think that’s true for many of us. The internet feels less like a jury box and more like a community square.
So here’s your invitation: share the song, upload the sketch, try the dance. Crackling voice, awkward moves, offbeat strums—bring it all. Because in 2025, what’s real is what matters.
