We’ve all said it before: “I’m so going to fail this test,” or “Wow I’m really awkward,” or even “Why am I so ugly?” But are these comments humorous and relatable? Or do they point to a larger problem about where we are progressing as a society?

Sure, some may think it is an attempted method of modesty, in which we downplay our own skills as opposed to bragging. Others may use it to mask their low self-esteem or seek reassurance to boost their own self-confidence. Regardless, if you keep saying these things to yourself, you’ll start to believe it.

However, there is a difference between modesty and self-deprecation. Modesty allows us to accept our weaknesses but also appreciating our strengths. While self-deprecation only draws us deeper into a hole of comparison where we lose what was once special about ourselves.

During a time that’s dependent upon constantly changing digital entertainment, one trend that fails to change is ‘relatable’ content. Many posts that joke about mental health, childhood experiences, schoolwork, and dating, seek to unite this generation upon the collective human experience that all teenagers face. However, this humor comes at the cost of decaying the gravity that was once associated with these heavy topics. From suicide jokes, to body image satire, what does this mean for our generation?

We are quickly becoming numb to the serious issues that plague our society. By doing so, we laugh at experiences that our peers may be struggling with and lessen the weight of their problems. Bringing these topics into our daily conversation only invites more people to begin to believe the lies society tells us.