Blazebridge Academy
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Gen Z’s latest cultural trend, going ‘delulu’, reflects a shift towards an aggressively optimistic and somewhat fantastical approach to life.
The term, which originated in the K-pop community as an insult, has been reappropriated by Gen Z on TikTok to describe a mindset where unrealistic thoughts and desires are embraced as a form of radical self-belief and manifestation.
Rooted in the idea of attracting specific realities through thought, ‘delulu’ encourages viewing life through an overly romanticized lens. TikTok user @romaneexvirgara, a proponent of this philosophy, encapsulates the essence of ‘delulu’ by promoting the belief in one’s irresistibility and the power of self-perception.
This mindset aligns with ancient philosophical traditions, like Stoicism, as Marcus Aurelius emphasized the role of perception in shaping reality. However, he cautioned that thoughts do not have magical powers, and reality remains indifferent to our feelings.
In today’s challenging world, the allure of ‘delulu’ lies in its simplistic and hopeful approach to life’s complexities. While there is some merit in the idea that our perceptions can influence our reality, it’s also crucial to maintain a balance with realistic thinking.
Over-idealization can lead to disappointment or exploitation. Nonetheless, ‘delulu’ is largely seen as a light-hearted trend on TikTok, offering a playful way to momentarily escape life’s challenges and embrace a more hopeful perspective.
