This phrase, while short and almost effortless, has become my generation’s default defense mechanism. It’s how we deflect awkwardness, distract others from our insecurities, and downplay our or others’ emotions we’re not ready to confront. We use it when we’re not quite sure how to feel. It’s our way of signaling, “I’m fine,” when we’re anything but that.

It’s not that serious. 

But what if we’re all lying to ourselves? What if it is that serious? 

I always find myself questioning this more often lately. We live in an era where almost if not every moment is a potential viral meme, every feeling felt is shared in a tweet or TikTok. Every trending hashtag somehow defines a collective of emotions we can’t always express. We laugh at things that should maybe make us uncomfortable, because it’s easier that way. But is it that easy? Should it be that easy? 

For example, take the viral phrase “delulu is the solulu,” which intertwines delusion with solution. On the surface level, it’s a funny way to shrug off life’s challenges, especially in relationships, by embracing a make-believe situation. It’s a trend, a joke, right?

But here’s the thing: we repeat it because it’s relatable and sticks with us.

And maybe it resonates because, in a world where everything feels so serious and unstable, our culture is looking for an escape to it all. The idea of “delulu” appeals to our desire to create our own narratives, to blend reality with anything else to make life feel less overwhelming. It’s not just a joke; it’s a form of coping. And suddenly, this phrase feels a little less like a silly phrase and more like a collective cry for comfort and ease in a very chaotic world.

Then there’s the “girl dinner,” the trend of throwing together random snacks and calling it a meal. The first time I saw it, I thought it was a silly, relatable trend. After all, who hasn’t eaten cereal or an egg sandwich for dinner or grabbed a bag of chips as an evening meal? But when I sat with it, I realized something more profound. “Girl dinner” isn’t just about being lazy or defaulting to convenience. It’s a form of self-care, a quiet rebellion against the pressure always to be perfect, always to have it together, to have an actual dinner. It’s the realization that sometimes, less is more. In a world that tells us we need to be productive every single minute of the day, “girl dinner” is an act of resistance. It’s permission to be imperfect and to embrace the fact that sometimes, we’re just too tired to do more than the bare minimum.

Which is ok. 

And then, of course, there’s the “main character energy” trend. We all want to be the star of our own show, right? On social media, it’s everywhere: people depicting their lives to look like scenes from a movie, complete with soundtracks and perfect angles. It’s all about presenting ourselves as the protagonist that everyone else revolves around. But when you dig a little deeper, it’s clear that this trend isn’t just about wanting to look good on Instagram or TikTok, it’s about being seen. It’s about wanting to matter in a world that sometimes seems indifferent to what you are. By embracing “main character energy,” we’re claiming our own importance. We’re saying, “I am the lead in this story,” even if that’s not always true.

The funny and ironic thing about all these trends, about all the things we say are “not that deep,” is that they often reflect the things we’re afraid to admit: our fear of being overlooked, our struggle with burnout, or our need for validation, and our craving for comfortability in a world where there is none. These trends and memes aren’t just distractions. They’re a peak into my generation’s collective trying to make sense of it all.

So, maybe – it is that deep. Maybe the things we often joke about and brush off are actually the things we need to talk about more. The way we embrace fantasy, the way we simplify things to feel in control, there’s more to it. It’s a reflection of the way we’re coping with a world that moves way too fast, and a world that leaves us feeling like we’re constantly playing catch up.

It’s okay to participate in these small, sometimes silly moments because they say something important about who we are right now. In a society that praises “deep” thought, we often forget that there’s value in the simple things too! Its ok to not have it all figured out and it is definitely ok to not be so “deep” all the time. 

Sometimes, a TikTok trend  or a catchy catchphrase is literally what we need to get by.

So, the next time someone tells you, “It’s not that serious,” ask yourself: Is it? And maybe, just maybe, give yourself the ok to believe that it is.