Navigating the complex world of 15-17-year-olds can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for educators, parents, and content creators. This age group, standing at the threshold of adulthood, exhibits a unique blend of adolescent energy and emerging adult perspectives. This article delves into their current trends, behaviors, and slang, offering insights to better understand and connect with these young adults.
This age group is in a unique phase of life, characterised by rapid changes on the way to adulthood. While it is beneficial to be informed about their world, it is equally important to recognize that not every trend will resonate with every teenager. The key is not to generalize, but to approach each young person with an open mind and a willingness to understand their unique perspectives.
Generational context:
Digital literacy with a critical eye: While still part of Generation Z, these older teens are more discerning in their use of technology and social media. They use digital platforms not only for socializing, but also for self-education, activism and exploring professional interests.
Global awareness: Growing up in a globally connected world, they are keenly aware of international events and cultural trends. This global perspective shapes their values and aspirations.
Way of thinking and interests:
Many of them are preparing for life after high school. They are more aware of their place in the world and begin to form more mature views on life and society.
Social and political awareness: This age group is increasingly participating in social and political discourse. They are not just passive consumers of the news, but active commentators, often expressing their views on platforms such as YouTube, which is particularly popular with this age group.
A future-oriented mindset: As they approach the end of high school, there is a significant emphasis on future planning. This includes exploring universities, career paths and life skills necessary for adulthood.
Creative and digital expression: many in this age group are exploring creative outlets through digital media, such as YouTube content creation, Tik Tok, digital art or music production. These hobbies are often more than hobbies; they are avenues for self-expression and skill development.
Pop culture trends:
Music preferences often reflect broader cultural trends and can include a wide range of genres. They are likely to follow artists who are socially conscious or innovative.
Playlists with viral songs from tik tok in 2023.
Social media use is beginning to reflect a balance between entertainment and information gathering.
There is a growing appreciation for content that offers depth and authenticity - documentaries, podcasts and books that offer a deeper understanding of topics of interest.
Some of the most popular movies in 2023 for teens:
The Little Mermaid
Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Teen Wolf: The Movie
Scream VI
The Hunger Games: The Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes
Some of the most popular shows in 2023 for teens:
Euphoria
Stranger Things
Riverdale
Sex Education
Outer Banks
Some of the most popular podcasts in 2023 for teens:
Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain
Things Could Be Worse
Call Your Friends
On Purpose With Jay Shetty
Teenager Therapy
Multi-player online games such as Fortnite and Roblox remain popular, not only for gameplay but also for social interaction and creative expression.
Most played video games in 2023
Memes and online humour play a key role in their communication and expression of ideas.
As we find ourselves in the ever-evolving landscape of teen trends, it is vital for teachers to remain actively informed and adaptive. The world of movies, shows, podcasts, books, and music that captivates our teens today may change tomorrow. Therefore, embrace this dynamic environment with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Exploring and updating your knowledge of these trends is not only about keeping your teaching current, but also about connecting with your students. This ongoing journey of constant updating enables you to foster meaningful conversations and enrich the educational experience for both you and your students. Remember, your willingness to understand and engage in their world makes a significant difference in bridging the generation gap and enhancing the learning process.
Slang and Communication:
Understanding their slang and communication style is crucial. Some of the most common phrases/words used..
Lit: Amazing, exciting or entertaining. Example: "That party last night was lit!"
Savage: Cool or tough (to describe a situation). Example: "Did you see her comeback in the debate? That was savage."
Fam: Close friends, group of friends. Example: "I'm hanging out with my fam this weekend."
Yeet: An exclamation of excitement, approval, or to describe a quick movement. Example: "He just scored a goal from halfway across the field, yeet!"
No Cap: No lie, truth. Example: "I aced my test, no cap."
Lowkey: Moderate, subtle or covert. Example: "I lowkey love classical music, but don't tell anyone."
Flex: To show off. Example: "He's just trying to flex with his new sneakers."
Ghosting: Ignoring someone on social media or in real life. Example: "I texted him yesterday, but he's ghosting me."
Salty: Being upset or bitter. Example: "She's still salty about not getting the lead role in the play."
Gucci: Good or cool. Example: "Don't worry about me, I'm Gucci."
Delulu: Short for 'delusional', used to describe someone who is out of touch with reality. Example: "He thinks he's going to be famous overnight, that's so delulu."
Girl/Boy Math: Referring to the way someone might overanalyze or read too much into a situation, often in a romantic context. Example: "I'm doing girl math trying to figure out if they like me back."
My Roman Empire: Used to describe something that one is very proud of or has put a lot of effort into. Example: "I've spent all weekend on this project, it's my Roman Empire."
Red Flag: A warning sign, often used in the context of dating or friendships. Example: "He never texts back, that's a red flag."
Beige Flag: Something that's not necessarily a red flag but is dull or uninteresting. Example: "He only talks about his favorite basketball team, it's a beige flag for me."
Green Flag: The opposite of a red flag, something positive in a person or situation. Example: "She's always so kind to everyone, definite green flag."
These phrases are some of the most common. However, slang and trends are rapidly evolving, so staying up to date is key. Through social media contact or if you have kids in your social circle, observe ask around and find out what's in style.
Emojis and memes are integral to their communication, often used to convey emotions and reactions more effectively than words.
A short dictionary of emojis:
✨: Often used to emphasize or indicate that something is new, exciting or has a special quality.
😂: It continues to be popular for expressing fun and joy.
👍👍: A strong sign of approval or agreement.
🥺: Used to express a feeling of vulnerability or love, often in a romantic context.
🤪: Conveys a sense of silliness or silliness.
🙄: Shows skepticism, annoyance or distrust.
🙂: A subtle expression of happiness or satisfaction.
❤️💙💚💛🧡💜: Various colored heart emojis remain popular for expressing love, friendship and other emotions.
🔥: Used to indicate that something is hot, trendy or exciting.
👏: Signifies applause or praise, often used to show agreement or support.
💀 : Used to say "This is so funny I died"
👉👈 : Used in TikTok to mean you want to say something to the person you are sending this emoji to and hope they don't get mad at you
🙃: They're joking with you.
🙏: It means thank you
👺: use it to indicate trolling, mean, anger, mischief
😈 : mischievous or playful behaviour
🌚 : darkness, secrecy, mischief or a mischievous sense of humour.
🤡 : usually used to convey various silly, silly feelings or that someone is behaving like a clown ("foolish")
Keep in mind that the meanings and use of emojis may differ between different groups and individuals and may also change over time. That's why it's important to be informed by your own student or any teenager you have around you.
Pop culture: Practical tips
It's important to consider how adults - whether parents, educators, or content creators - can stay abreast of the ever-evolving pop culture landscape for 15-17-year-olds. Keeping up with their world doesn't mean mimicking their trends, but understanding and appreciating their interests and perspectives. Here are some practical tips:
Direct communication: The simplest way to understand a trend is to ask the teenagers themselves. Engage in conversations about their interests, hobbies, and what they find cool or exciting.
Explore their digital world: Familiarize yourself with the apps and platforms they use. This doesn't mean invading their personal space but understanding the features and appeal of platforms like TikTok, Instagram or gaming sites.
Stay informed by the media: Follow youth-oriented media or platforms that report on teen trends and culture. This can provide a broader perspective on what's popular and why.
Organize class discussions: Provide some time during the lessons where the students can share their interests. This can be in the format of “Show & Tell” of their favorite gameplay series, or a discussion about music and their favorite artists.
Encourage open dialogue: Create an environment where teens feel comfortable sharing their interests. Show genuine curiosity and openness to their world.
Use social media wisely: Follow hashtags or influencers popular with teens to get a sense of current trends and conversations. Some of the world's most popular teenagers are Molly-Mae Hague, Emma Chamberlain, Bretman Rock, KSI and Anastasia Kingsnorth.
Respect their individuality: Remember that every teenager is unique. Their interests may not always align with the most popular trends.
Embracing the world of older teenagers with empathy and understanding
To understand the world of 15-17-year-olds, it is important to recognize that while trends provide an overview, they do not encompass the entire experience of every individual in this demographic. These trends are transient and varied, reflecting the diverse nature of this age group.
The key to connecting with older adolescents lies in recognizing their unique experiences and perspectives. It is about empathizing with their journey to adulthood and respecting their individual journey. By remaining informed, open-minded and supportive, adults can play a key role in guiding these young adults as they navigate the complexities of their world. It is not about adopting their tendencies, but understanding their context, which is essential to fostering meaningful relationships and effective mentoring.