Language & Logic

This essay responds to a New York Times Learning Network Current Events Conversation: What Teenagers Are Saying About Being ‘Cringe’ on October 30, 2025. The discussion explores why so many teens today fear embarrassment, constant online surveillance, and the challenge of being themselves in a world that is always watching. In response to the featured article about “climbing cringe mountain”, I reflect on how the pressure to appear perfect can silence authenticity—and why embracing a little “cringe” might actually be the bravest thing we can do.

Being called “cringe” is like the ultimate teen insult right now. It is weird because everyone knows they are a little embarrassing sometimes, but we all act like we are immune to it. The article basically talks about how people our age are scared to try things or be themselves because everyone is watching. Not just in real life but online too. One wrong move and suddenly someone is screen recording you or turning you into a TikTok meme. Honestly, that does sound stressful, but also I feel like we let the idea of cringe get way bigger than it needs to be.

I think the fear of being cringe definitely gets to me sometimes. Like when I want to answer a question in class but I start thinking, what if I sound dumb. Or when I want to wear something a little different and then decide not to because I think people will stare. It is not like people are actually paying that much attention, but it still feels like they are. Even posting on social media can feel risky. You start thinking about who is going to see it and if they are going to think you are trying too hard. It is a lot over something as simple as a photo or a joke.

But the weird thing is, when someone else is cringe, honestly it is not as bad as they think it is. Sometimes it is actually kind of funny or even cool that they do not care. The kids who do their thing, even if it is a little awkward, usually end up looking more confident than the ones trying to be perfect. The article mentions people “climbing cringe mountain,” and that sounds dramatic, but I get it. It is basically saying that if you just push through the awkward feeling, you will be happier. And I agree. The moments I stop caring what people think are usually the ones I feel the best.

Being yourself should not feel like a risk. Everyone has had embarrassing moments. Everyone has done something cringe. That is just being human. And honestly, trying to never be cringe might actually be the cringiest thing ever. So yeah, I think we should chill a little. Laugh at ourselves sometimes. Try the new hobby. Answer the question even if your voice shakes. Wear the outfit. Post the picture. It is not that serious. If someone thinks it is cringe, they will forget in like two seconds anyway. Just be normal about it and move on.

At the end of the day, being cringe just means you are living instead of hiding. And I feel like that is way better than sitting quietly your whole life, trying to look cool and never actually doing anything fun. So maybe climbing cringe mountain is not such a bad idea. Even if you trip a little on the way up.