Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Zombieing: When Ghosts Return to Haunt Your Dating Life

Remember that person who ghosted you six months ago?

The one who vanished into thin air, leaving your texts on read and your dignity in the gutter?

Well, guess what? They're back.

Just when you finally moved on, they emerge from the digital graveyard with a casual "Hey, stranger." Congratulations! You’ve just been zombied.

What Is Zombieing?

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Are You an Unspoken Rizz God?

In the ever-evolving landscape of internet slang, few terms have risen to prominence as swiftly as "rizz." A playful truncation of "charisma," "rizz" encapsulates the art of effortlessly attracting or flirting with potential partners—a skill that has been celebrated, dissected, and meme-ified across digital platforms. Let's embark on a detailed exploration of the "rizz" phenomenon, tracing its origins, cultural impact, and connections to earlier expressions of allure.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Glow-Ups: A Digital Meme of American Reinvention

The “glow-up” meme isn’t just a viral trend; it’s a modern reflection of deeply rooted American ideals.

It taps into themes of transformation, self-improvement, and the ever-resilient hope for a second act.

Let’s explore how this meme became a cultural phenomenon and why it resonates so powerfully with the American spirit.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Happiest Family Therapy Meme: A Laughing Step Toward Evolution

Family therapy often conjures images of tearful confessions and tense silence.

Yet, it can also be an incubator for something remarkable: shared laughter and collective growth. A meme currently making its rounds on social media captures this transformative potential with a simple but profound moment: a therapist asks, “Who causes the most trouble in the family?” and every family member simultaneously points at themselves.

When coupled with humor, this mindset could represent more than a feel-good moment. It may hint at an evolutionary leap in human social dynamics.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Rise of Neurodivergent Memes Among Second-Generation Asian Americans

Memes are the modern hieroglyphs of our shared struggles, joys, and absurdities. Within the neurodivergent second-generation Asian American community, a rich tapestry of meme culture is emerging—one that reflects the intersection of identity, mental health, and cultural heritage.

These memes are more than jokes; they are cultural artifacts that capture the lived realities of individuals navigating a world that demands assimilation while offering few accommodations.

In this exploration, we delve into the history, themes, and impact of these memes, unpacking their significance with warmth and empathy.

The Intersection of Neurodivergence and Second-Generation Identity

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Spartan Meme in 2025: Resilience, Reinvention, and the Role of Women in Family Systems

In 2025, the Spartan meme is more relevant than ever, continuing to inspire people to push their limits, embrace discomfort, and emerge stronger from life’s challenges.

But its reach has evolved dramatically, transcending the confines of obstacle races and intense workouts.

Today, the Spartan ethos is a cultural metaphor for resilience, discipline, and transformation, impacting everything from family systems to leadership, wellness, and emotional health.

Notably, women have stepped into this traditionally male-dominated narrative, bringing fresh perspectives and reshaping the meme to address emotional resilience, community building, and family dynamics.

The Spartan meme has become a tool for thriving in a complex world—no matter your role, gender, or stage in life.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

What Is De-Influencing? A Look at This Curious Relationship Shift

De-influencing is a growing movement that pushes back against the glossy, picture-perfect world of social media influencer culture.

Instead of urging people to buy the next trendy product or stage their lives for likes, de-influencing invites us to take a breath, embrace authenticity, and stop feeling like we have to perform our lives—or our relationships—online.

It’s not just about rejecting consumerism; it’s about rethinking what really matters, including how we connect with our partners. Let’s dive into how this trend started, why it’s catching on, and what it means for modern relationships.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Distracted Boyfriend: The History of a Meme and Its Cultural Significance

The “Distracted Boyfriend” meme is the internet’s cheeky way of turning a universal relationship fear—infidelity—into a visual metaphor.

If you’ve spent even five minutes online, you’ve probably seen the image: a man walking with his partner, sneaking a guilty glance at another woman while his girlfriend looks on in shock and dismay.

But this meme is more than just a funny image; it’s a modern cultural artifact that reflects societal anxieties, humor, and even deep truths about human relationships.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Humility: A Modern Take on the Ancient Roman Virtue of Modestia

Humility isn’t just a psychological tool for reducing anger—it’s a virtue with ancient roots in Roman culture.

Recent research led by Eddie Harmon-Jones and colleagues, published in Personality and Individual Differences, highlights how humility acts as a buffer against anger and hostility.

This modern finding resonates with the ancient Roman ideal of modestia, a virtue emphasizing self-restraint, self-awareness, and temperance.

In Roman society, modestia was more than personal discipline; it was a cornerstone of community cohesion.

It allowed folks to temper ambition and regulate emotions, ensuring that personal pride didn’t outweigh collective harmony. Today, humility serves a similar function, helping us navigate an increasingly polarized and conflict-prone world.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Rise of Platonic Life Partnerships: The Future of Love or Just Friendship 2.0?

Romantic love has long been considered the gold standard for meaningful relationships. It’s the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters, the centerpiece of countless wedding hashtags, and often treated as the key to “happily ever after.”

But what if life doesn’t have to revolve around romance?

Enter Platonic Life Partnerships (PLPs)—an emerging relationship trend where two people commit to building a life together but without romantic or sexual involvement.

These partnerships can involve anything from sharing finances to cohabitating to co-parenting, and they’re gaining traction as people seek new ways to fulfill their emotional and practical needs.

But is this really a revolution in how we define relationships, or just a new label for deep friendship?

Let’s explore the evidence, trends, and nuances of this movement, blending real-world data with a healthy dose of curiosity.

What Exactly Is a Platonic Life Partnership?

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Cottagecore Decor: Why Gen Z is Escaping to the Countryside (At Least in Spirit)

Imagine a rustic cottage draped in ivy, a table set with freshly baked bread, and a soft breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers.

No, this isn’t the set of a Jane Austen adaptation—it’s the essence of cottagecore, the aesthetic that has captured the hearts (and Instagram feeds) of Gen Z.

But cottagecore is more than just a picturesque trend. It’s a cultural movement rooted in simplicity, self-sufficiency, and an intense desire to escape the chaos of modern life.

Let’s dig into the roots of this phenomenon and explore why it resonates so deeply.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Grandmacore Aesthetic! Why Teens Are Picking Up Needles, Loaves, and Houseplants!

The Rise of “Grandma Hobbies”: Why Teens Are Picking Up Needles, Loaves, and Houseplants

There’s a curious movement knitting its way into the hearts of today’s teens: the resurgence of “grandma hobbies.”

Once relegated to retirement communities and family reunions, activities like knitting, gardening, baking, and embroidery are finding new life in Gen Z’s bedrooms and social media feeds.

Dubbed “grandmacore,” this aesthetic embraces slow living, nostalgia, and the kind of tactile joy that’s hard to come by in our digital age.

But why are teens—the supposed digital natives—reaching for crochet hooks and sourdough starters?

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