#Youthtrends

Scientists have unlocked a universal code to what it means to be “cool”—and it turns out, these qualities transcend cultural boundaries. According to groundbreaking research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, people around the world, from the United States to China, Nigeria to Germany, consistently identify a set of six core personality traits that define the elusive concept of “coolness.” The findings are reshaping our understanding of how global media, social trends, and cultural exchange converge to create modern social archetypes, with important implications for Thailand’s own youth, education, and cultural landscape.

A global study identifies six core traits that define “cool,” cutting across cultures and countries, including Thailand. Researchers say extroversion, hedonism, power, adventurousness, openness to experience, and autonomy shape how young people experience media, trends, and social life in Thai schools and communities. The findings offer fresh insight into how global exchange influences Thai youth, education, and culture.

The appeal of being cool has long influenced friendships, fashion, and status. A cross-country team surveyed nearly 6,000 adults in 13 nations, asking them to rate others as “cool,” “uncool,” “good,” or “not good.” Across Bangkok, Berlin, and Lagos, a similar profile emerged: energetic social presence, pleasure-seeking, influence, risk-taking, openness, and independence.

A surge of wellness ideas is captivating Thai teens, who increasingly embrace “crunchy” eating habits pitched as optimal health. Health professionals warn these well-intentioned choices can pose real risks for young people when driven by social media and unverified claims. For Thai parents and educators, this trend offers a lens to evaluate how global wellness ideas intersect with local youth culture and health.

The crunchy teen movement often aims to move away from processed foods and conventional medicines. Teens may experiment with unverified practices such as parasite cleanses, raw meat diets, and restrictive eating plans shaped by viral misinformation. Experts caution that such ideas lack solid scientific backing and can cause serious side effects. High-dose herbal cleanses can irritate the liver and stomach, cause dehydration, and even trigger severe illness. Eating raw meat also exposes youths to dangerous bacteria without proven health benefits.

A new wave of wellness trends is sweeping through teenage circles, with young people embracing “crunchy teen” eating habits that claim to promote optimal health—but health experts warn these well-intended choices may do more harm than good. A report by a family medicine practitioner at Kaiser Permanente in Fairfax, Virginia, highlights how this social-media-driven movement toward natural, restrictive, and sometimes extreme diets is fueling dangerous misconceptions about food, body image, and medicine itself. For Thai parents and educators, this exposé offers an urgent lens through which to examine how global wellness trends interact with local youth culture and health risks.

A recent study has shed light on the changing dynamics of information-seeking among children, revealing a striking trend: kids are more likely to trust Google than guidance from their own grandparents. This finding underscores the profound influence of digital technology on the younger generation in Thailand and beyond, raising important questions about the future of knowledge, cultural transmission, and education in the kingdom.

In an era where information is just a few taps away, Thai households are witnessing a significant cultural shift. Traditionally, elders like grandparents have been regarded as the primary sources of wisdom, life lessons, and practical knowledge—especially in rural regions and deeply rooted Thai families. However, with widespread smartphone access, high-speed internet, and the influence of digital literacy campaigns, youngsters today are turning to search engines for answers to their most pressing questions. This mirrors global findings that digital devices are now pervasive in childhood, according to studies by bodies such as UNICEF and the National Statistical Office of Thailand.

A new study highlights a striking shift in how Thai children seek information: many now lean on Google as a primary source more than guidance from their grandparents. The finding underscores the growing influence of digital technology on Thailand’s younger generation and raises questions about knowledge transmission, education, and cultural continuity.

Across Thai households, a cultural shift is unfolding. Elders—especially grandparents who share stories, herbal wisdom, and local history—have long been trusted custodians of knowledge in rural and urban families alike. With widespread smartphone use, fast internet, and digital literacy campaigns, children increasingly turn to search engines for answers. This reflects broader global patterns noted by researchers and international organizations about technology shaping childhood learning.