Toxic Positivity: Why “Good Vibes Only” Creates Bad Vibes

Toxic positivity is trending across social media. In times of stress, denying negative emotions and experiences makes things worse, not better.

KEY POINTS

• The “good vibes only” trend on social media turns positivity toxic.
• Pushing “positive vibes” can make people feel inadequate, shamed and isolated.
• Brands contribute by monetizing only ‘positive’ social media Influencers
• Authenticity is the foundation of trust essential to the brand-consumer relationship
• TikTok’s authenticity may help normalize the full range of emotional expression and provide a more balanced avenue for brands.

Tired of “good vibes only” on social media? There’s always value in a positive outlook, but when it’s “only,” it becomes toxic. Toxic positivity is the denial or minimizing of negative emotions and dealing with distress with platitudes and false reassurances rather than empathy.

Don’t mistake toxic positivity as positive psychology or having a positive mindset. Toxic positivity is the misguided belief that ‘positive thinking’ should be applied to all experiences of pain, suffering or difficulties, rather than acknowledge and deal with the downside.