In the big scheme of things, I wouldn’t consider myself old, but the internet has a special way of making me feel worn out and old.
I think you may identify with what I’m talking about. Sometimes I read something that I can hardly comprehend and then I realize it’s English; it’s just the trendy new slang that the youth are talking about these days. At times, like with “canceling,” I happen onto a new movement and wonder how and when I fell behind.
Then there are internet trends, which fluctuate in popularity like a summer crop. If I claimed to have personally paid any attention to any of them in the past, I would be lying, but it doesn’t mean their brief moment in the spotlight doesn’t cause them to gain enormous popularity.
Certain such fads, such as the ALS ice bucket challenge, serve as effective catalysts for charitable giving by inspiring people to join forces with organizations striving to effect meaningful change in the world.
Some may not be as advantageous to society overall. Some remain extremely hazardous (consider the tide-pod challenge, which some sources claim gained traction in 2018).
Hold onto your hats, because it seems like a new trend is becoming more popular. It primarily features young people in group shots.
Credit / instagram – Paris Fury
Dubbed “nose covering,” the craze is essentially what it sounds like: people cover a lot of their face, including their nose, with their hands in order to avoid being recognized in pictures even when they are.
Odd? Yes, I agree, but that doesn’t lessen the reality of it.
The reason is actually more straightforward, but the trend reportedly had some internet users wonder if people were secretly communicating with one another.
British parenting expert Amanda Jenner, being interviewed by Fabulous, said: “Using covers is the only way they can remove themselves without actually upsetting their parents by refusing to be in the photo.
“We as parents want and insist on capturing the moment but to a teenager this is a big deal. Teenagers go through a period of not embracing their appearance, i.e. could be spots, braces, or they just have a time in their lives where they have no self confidence.”
Credit / instagram – Paris Fury
Jenner added that ‘nose covering’ might be especially important for those youngsters afraid of their image being shared online by peers.
“Their peers can often share the photo and make fun of it which is very harmful to their confidence also resulting in harmful comments which can lead onto other issues,” she said.
The expert went on to tell parents who might be seeing their children engaging in the practice: “Remember that this phase is a normal part of growing up, where seeking independence and establishing personal boundaries are key developmental milestones.”
Have you seen any children covering their noses in photos? Let us know in the comments box.
