#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 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.