Emotional Breakdown or Crying in front of others was once seen as shameful, but younger generations, raised with social media, now regularly share their tearful moments online. These emotional posts, ranging from job rejections to relationship struggles, offer a more authentic portrayal of life compared to the typical social media “highlight reel.” While some view these displays as genuine self-expression, others question their authenticity, raising concerns about privacy, vulnerability, and the monetization of emotional content.

From Shame to Share: Why Crying Online is the New Norm

In the past, crying in front of others could have been seen as something to be ashamed of, but for today’s younger generations, who have grown up with social media, it has become increasingly common to share tearful moments and Emotional Breakdowns online. Posting videos and photos of themselves crying on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is no longer considered unusual. People have shared a variety of emotional experiences—whether it’s a woman tearfully recounting a disappointing date, a job seeker expressing frustration after multiple rejections, or a recent graduate overwhelmed by the challenges of work life.

Crying vs. Curated: Social Media’s Shift to Authentic Emotion

These online emotional displays, which include everything from crying selfies to Emotional Breakdown over a breakup or a movie, stand in stark contrast to the polished “highlight reel” of social media, offering a more genuine glimpse into people’s struggles. The intention behind these posts varies, but many see them as a way to show a more authentic side of themselves.

However, some observers question the authenticity of sharing such intimate moments publicly. The question arises: how upset can someone be if they instinctively grab their phone to record their emotional breakdown? Some believe that filming such moments for social media might reduce the emotional experience to mere content.

Amie McNee: Crying Online Challenges Social Norms

Amie McNee, a writer and creative coach who has shared her tears online, compares this kind of Emotional Breakdown to other private experiences that society tends to avoid. “It’s really private, and the public culture doesn’t want to look at you when you do it,” she says, suggesting that crying online challenges social norms.

Seeking Connection: Sharing Vulnerability for Support

For some, the reason for sharing emotions online is rooted in a desire for connection. McNee, for example, posted about her struggles as an aspiring author to find support from others who could relate. She used her Instagram to express both her victories and setbacks, including moments of vulnerability like crying before a day job she hoped to leave. For her, it was about feeling seen and supported by others who understood her pain.

Using Tears Online to Seek Validation

Others, like Tristan Blackwood, shared their tears online due to a lack of support elsewhere. As a teenager, Blackwood posted Emotional Breakdown videos to TikTok in hopes of receiving validation and connection. Despite the negative comments he received, he later realized that he was using social media as a way to cope with his lack of offline support, which led him to seek therapy and build healthier relationships.

Viral Tears: Turning Emotion Into Fame and Engagement

Tears also serve as a way to attract attention and engagement. In 2017, Emmy Hartman filmed herself Emotional Breakdown over a traffic ticket, and the video quickly went viral. This exposure helped launch her TikTok career and music journey. While not all emotional posts are created with fame in mind, many creators have learned to use vulnerability as a way to build an audience and even monetize their content.

The Debate Over Authenticity in Crying Posts Online

While some online influencers have received support for their emotional posts, others, like Remi Bader, have faced criticism for what some viewers perceive as exaggerated emotions. Critics question whether such posts are authentic or just a strategy to stay relevant in a competitive online space. Despite the varying opinions on these displays of Emotional Breakdown, it’s clear that sharing tears online has become a regular part of digital culture. While older generations might view this behaviour with scepticism, younger users seem to have embraced it as a natural way to express themselves in an increasingly connected world. As social media continues to shape how we present our emotions, one thing is clear: crying online is not going away anytime soon.